Stste the advantages and disadvantages of multiculturalism - Essay Example

The greatest advantage of multiculturalism is that it promotes unity and oneness among people who belong to various cultures. Similarly, multiculturalism can effectively be used as a powerful tool to promote cultural dialogue among various cultural groups. It has also been pointed out that multiculturalism, when judiciously employed, can counter all sorts of segregation and discrimination that are likely to occur in a multicultural society. Similarly, multiculturalism best caters to the interests of the immigrant population.

However there are many who hold that multicultural policies promote social segregation, social inequality, and racial or ethnic tensions within the nation. Opponents of multiculturalism strongly argue that it is likely to result in segregation, communal riots and cultural clashes. Therefore, it is imperative that proper multicultural education is imparted not only among students but also among the common population. Multiculturalism is to be viewed as a way of life rather than a policy that exhorts people to value and respect other cultures.

Multiculturalism has become a much debated issue within political discourses and academic discussions. The term ‘multiculturalism’ in its usual sense refers to the concept of racial, cultural and ethnic diversity within a society or a nation. Many of the democratic countries have defined their own multicultural policies in order to maintain and promote cultural diversity and national integrity. Admitting the cultural, religious, racial and ethnic diversity as an undeniable part of the society governments have relied on the concept of multiculturalism which they believe would bring cultural equality and social cohesion.

The proponents of multiculturalism argue that all cultures are of equal value and that fostering multiculturalism and diversity would enhance the unity and integration of the nation. However there are many who hold that multicultural policies promote social