multiculturalism

[ muhl-tee-kuhl-cher-uh-liz-uhm, muhl-tahy- ]

noun

1. the state or condition of being multicultural.
2. the preservation of different cultures or cultural identities within a unified society, as a state or nation.

multiculturalism

1. The view that the various cultures in a society merit equal respect and scholarly interest. It became a significant force in American society in the 1970s and 1980s as African-Americans, Latinos, and other ethnic groups explored their own history.

Word History and Origins

Origin of multiculturalism¹

First recorded in 1960–65; multicultural + -ism

Example Sentences

Anyone who has explored London beyond its tourist hubs, or has at least glanced at the pages of a Zadie Smith novel, knows that multiculturalism gives the city its life.

From New York Times

The Canadian Multiculturalism Act, passed in 1988, recognises diversity as an integral part of Canada’s identity.

From BBC

It is a major shift for both the country and Trudeau, who ran in 2015 on a platform of embracing multiculturalism as a key part of Canadian identity.

From BBC

Notably, he added that he was “deeply concerned” about “punitive multiculturalism—a cultural politics that revolves around the demonization of putatively privileged groups.”

From Slate

Now, we’re seeing a balancing out: Issues including abortion and immigration are being cast as “everyone” issues, not special interests for special groups; identities are salient, but not solely or even primarily determinative; the Democratic National Convention was a joyful display of racial diversity, multiculturalism, and feminist values, but everyone had a place in it.

From Slate

Related Words

• pluralism