Multiculturalism and the European Cultural Diversity

Abstract

Multiculturalism is a normative theory focused on the managing of cultural diversity in a democratic framework. The concept of collective rights lies in the centre of theory, demanding policies of recognition for minority groups, in societies reshaped for accepting ‘multicultural citizenship'. Multiculturalism asks for widening of liberal democracies, ready to face new demands of cultural groups. For multiculturalists, in the absence of recognition, a person may experience losses or distortions, or may be the victim of a form of repression. Multiculturalism demands an equal status for the different cultures. The critics consider that multiculturalism will undermine the basic principles of liberal democracy, based on individual rights and liberties and instead of promoting intercultural dialogue, will end up in policies of isolation.

Keywords

• multiculturalism
• cultural diversity
• liberal democracy
• interethnic conflict
• intercultural communications
• human rights
• minorities