Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism is the coexistence of multiple cultures. The word is used in <a href="/facts/Sociology/d2Fd0N87">sociology</a>, in <a href="/facts/Political_philosophy/JuLBNdAX">political philosophy</a>, and colloquially. In sociology and everyday usage, it is usually a synonym for <a href="/facts/Pluralism_(political_theory)/anlepgqy">ethnic</a> or <a href="/facts/Cultural_pluralism/cktHqbku">cultural pluralism</a> in which various ethnic and cultural groups exist in a single society. It can describe a mixed ethnic community area where multiple cultural traditions exist or a single country. Groups associated with an <a href="/facts/Indigenous_peoples/zyzBMXBS">indigenous</a>, aboriginal or autochthonous ethnic group and settler-descended ethnic groups are often the focus.
In reference to sociology, multiculturalism is the end-state of either a natural or artificial process (for example: legally controlled immigration) and occurs on either a large national scale or on a smaller scale within a nation's communities. On a smaller scale this can occur artificially when a jurisdiction is established or expanded by amalgamating areas with two or more different cultures (e.g. <a href="/facts/French_Canadians/CfYF8yXT">French Canada</a> and <a href="/facts/English_Canada/VYptksBh">English Canada</a>). On a large scale, it can occur as a result of either legal or illegal migration to and from different jurisdictions around the world.
In reference to political science, multiculturalism can be defined as a state's capacity to effectively and efficiently deal with cultural plurality within its sovereign borders. Multiculturalism as a political philosophy involves ideologies and policies which vary widely. It has been described as a "<a href="/facts/Salad_bowl_(cultural_idea)/QdDsqqTU">salad bowl</a>" and as a "<a href="/facts/Cultural_mosaic/TG1r9s2C">cultural mosaic</a>", in contrast to a "<a href="/facts/Melting_pot/Ao6n1rIB">melting pot</a>".

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Multiculturalism