The essence and specificity of the state multiculturalism policy

Abstract

The main aim of this article is to examine multiculturalism as a specific policy of multi-ethnic states, and its essence and specificity. Multiculturalism can be considered as a policy aimed at preserving and developing cultural diversity in a particular state, as well as a theory or ideology justifying such policy. In the essence of multiculturalism lies the idea of the peaceful coexistence of different groups – ethnic, racial, religious, cultural, and other – within one state. The present study addresses the following research question: how multiculturalism obligations have been considered by states policy? In the course of the research, the answer to this question was achieved by analysing what multiculturalism is, and then – examining several theoretical approaches to this policy. As a result, the author concluded that multiculturalism can be a component of state policy only in states where the government actively promotes and protects the rights and interests of various cultural groups.

Keywords

• multiculturalism
• pluralism
• public policy
• tolerance
• identity
• Europe