Cultural Pluralism

A research paper on cultural pluralism may focus on the sociological or the educational aspects of cultural pluralism. The writers at Paper Masters will write on any topic regarding education, society and/or culture to enhance your understanding of the topic.

Cultural pluralism, by definition, refers to a situation whereby small minority groups inside a larger society are able to maintain separate and unique cultural identities. These cultural subgroups are generally viewed as positive contributors to the larger society, and that their values and beliefs, while expressing diversity, are common to the whole of society. Societies that promote pluralism view cultural diversity as something to be celebrated, noting that the larger group benefits from an infusion of new viewpoints and new customs.

Cultural pluralism as a societal good recognizes that notions of racism or bigotry are harmful to civic discourse. In societies that do not support pluralism, conflict and tension mar the ability of a nation to work together towards a common goal. Hatred of subgroups, as history has shown, can lead to official discrimination, outright disenfranchisement, civil war and even genocide.

Society and Cultural Pluralism

In a society that supports cultural pluralism, diversity is not only tolerated, but frequently supported by law. Subgroups that wish to maintain a unique identity, such as the Amish, are allowed to do so because their over arching values are not in conflict with the values of the larger group, in this case the United States. The rights of these groups are protected because the nation as whole recognizes the fundamental right of individuals to maintain strong identities based on common heritage.

Cultural pluralism is the idea that a smaller culture is readily accepted by a major culture in the sense that the smaller culture keeps their identity, religious practices, and morals or values. It is made clear within the smaller culture and/or members not to assimilate or become multiculturalist. They want to focus more on integrating themselves into the dominant culture without losing any culture of their own. They want to keep their heritage intact for future generations to come and pass down for example ancient rituals and to keep those in practice. Although sometimes cultural pluralism some times does not work in the sense that the smaller culture may have a few beliefs or practices that the government or law does not agree with.

Depending on how one looks at it, cultural pluralism can have a great benefit on one's society in the following ways:

• The introduction of new food, fashion and art

• New experiences

• New ideas on how to solve societal and political problems

• Religious ideas and social mores

Culture as an Organizational Mechanism A smaller culture can bring to a larger culture new food, clothes, art, experiences, etc. A great example is the United States. We've gotten many of our clothes and food from other countries because other countries came to the U.S. looking for a better life. And in wanting to keep their heritage, they shared it with us in order for us to experience it and accept it and them for who they are. Culture serves as an organizational mechanism through which favored outcomes are more likely to be accomplished. Members of a culture form a group rather than merely an aggregate. In the social psychological sense of the word, group denotes interpersonal influence, communication, shared goals, and perception by members that they are part of a defined group rather than individuals acting alone. The sense of community that should develop from these factors will typically generate a sense of "us" rather than "I," thus feeding the human proclivity for affiliation with other humans. Somewhat paradoxically, such group affiliation helps members define themselves as individuals, as well. In addition to enabling satisfactory identification and definition within the current milieu, cultural affiliation connects today with yesterday and tomorrow. Shared joy and shared trauma alike contribute to the cohesiveness of the group. Traditions and rituals that evolve from this shared history serve to cement the sense of community as well. After establishment of shared goals, concerted effort can help a people achieve those goals. Different people with different talents working together are much more likely to accomplish desired ends. Through cooperative efforts and resulting positive outcomes, the fabric of the culture is strengthened. Concluding a research paper may end as follows: Social order and control are necessary to prevent dissolution of the group. Norms are developed that prescribe certain behaviors and prohibit others. With an infinite array of behavioral possibilities available, the individual acting alone might not choose the more productive ones for inclusion in his or her repertoire. When behavioral choices draw on the history and tradition of the cultural group, however, success and survival are more likely. Thus, cultural norms, laws, prescriptions, and prohibitions might be considered beneficial to both the individual and the group.