Multiculturalism
Sociologyindex, Sociology Books 2011
Multiculturalism advocates a society that extends equitable status to distinct ethnic and religious groups. Multicultural movement first emerged in Canada and Australia. Multicultural movement lacks a clear focus and identity. Multiculturalism is desirable though the idea is controversial.
Multiculturalism refers to the acceptance of various cultural divisions for the sake of diversity that applies to the demographic make-up of a specific place.
Many countries are recognizing multiculturalism and are allowing members of distinct groups within that society to celebrate and maintain their different cultures or cultural identities.
Multiculturalism
and Diversity: A Social Psychological Perspective (Contemporary Social Issues)
"Incisive, wise, and extremely thought-provoking is the new book by Bernice Lott.
From her brilliant observation that all of us are multicultural flows a narrative that
invites us to re-think issues of self and society. The implications of Lott's analyses are
both exciting and profound. A great book!"
–Faye J. Crosby, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA
"This book is truly unique. Integrating research and theories, the author makes a
case that every individual is multicultural and further elucidates how contexts, roles,
and power differentials underlie the conditions of major ethnic/gender/social class/sexual
orientation groups. Written in an engaging and accessible manner, this book is suitable
for any course on multiculturalism and diversity."
–Ying-yi Hong, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA, and Nanyang
Technological University, Singapore
"Multiculturalism and Diversity -- two words that capture the essence of our
contemporary social worlds. In this book Bernice Lott explores the social psychological
impact of cultural diversity. The result is a resounding success: The writing is cogent,
the examples striking, the analysis clear and insightful. Lott’s comprehensive and
compelling thesis represents a significant advance in our efforts to understand the
evolving nature of self in multicultural societies."
–Richard J. Crisp, University of Kent
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Multiculturalism and Diversity focuses on the ways in which history and identity inform
each other, and also examines the politics of culture as well as the politics of cultural
identities within the U.S.
Illustrates the basic proposition that each of us is a unique multicultural human being
and that culture affects individual self-definition, experience, behavior, and social
interaction
Moves from early simple definitions of multiculturalism to more complex understandings
focused on culture as learned, teachable (shared), and fluid
Uses a critical approach to the study of culture and personal identity that is informed by
historical and social factors and an appreciation of their interaction
Examines the various cultural threads within the mosaic of a person’s multicultural
self such as sexual identity, gender, social class, and ethnicity