Cultural diversity Flashcards
Cultural diversity
the existence of a variety of cultural or ethnic groups within a society
* Culture= nationality, race, age, and traditions
* immigration is a key influence
* urban areas, large cities, are places where cultural diversity tends to flourish
* london is considered to be one of the most diverse cities in the world
Why is there greater cultural diversity in cities?
- cities tend to offer a greater range of employment opportunities
- cities are the first point of entry to the country for many immigrants
- cities tend to house earlier immigrant groups with the same ethnicity
- established cultural diversity in cities means that there are specialist ethnic shops and religious centres located around there
- urban populations tend to be more tolerant of immigrants
Multiculturalism
a society that recognises values and promotes the contributions of diverse cultural heritages and ancestries of the varies groups within it
Problems of cultural diversity
- tensions between different groups, sometimes leading to violence
- increased pressure on services e.g. schools may need extra staff for pupils who cant speak the native language
- minority communities can feel isolated and under represented politically
- social segregation can cause issues: lack of integration can cause prejudice and discrimination
(hate crime on race and religion)
How can we solve cultural diversity?
1. Policy of inter-culturalism has been promoted by some: emphasies interaction and the exchange of ideas between different cultural groups
2. Intercultural spaces- areas of mutal interest found and community engagement is conducted in libraries, schools, sports clubs, and community centres
3. UK legislation on anti-racism, employment rights and opportunities- aims to combat discrimination, prejudice, and racism, encourages greater political involvement of different cultural goups
Why do ethnic groups segregate?
Self-segegation
* support and security of living near friends and relatives within ethnic community
* provision of specialist facilities e.g. food shops and worship
* protection against racial abuse and attacks
* maintainance of culture language, and traditions
External factors
* migrabts have been a source of cheap labour forcing them into areas of cheap housing
* minorities have been discriminated against in access to housing, less successful in securing mortgage loans
* hostlity from majority population
