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

While those who preach multiculturalism and diversity should welcome an influx of immigrants, people resettling en masse during the pandemic are causing huge infrastructure problems for the most popular destinations.

From Ozy

A bilingual speaker in an environment that celebrates multiculturalism will likely have a vastly different outlook from one in a marginalized community, where the authorities fail to support education and expression.

From Popular-Science

If Republicans like Mike Pompeo think that multiculturalism is antithetical to American values, then compromise would likely exclude or disadvantage people of color.

From FiveThirtyEight

Bork attacked multiculturalism and the focus on ‘allegedly’ oppressed minorities.

From The Daily Beast

It is the maturing of British multiculturalism that has made the phenomenon of Laura Johnson, gang chauffeur, possible.

From The Daily Beast

Especially not a country like India, which must come to terms both with its multiculturalism and its caste and religious mix.

From The Daily Beast

Multiculturalism and political correctness have long been favorite bugaboos of hers.

From The Daily Beast

He viciously opposes politicians he believes have encouraged multiculturalism.

From The Daily Beast

The identity urge expressed in the multiculturalism trend of our days will find in the past its most unreliable arguments.

From Project Gutenberg

Multiculturalism, criticism of tradition, and freedom from the pressure of competition are among the recommendations they make.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• pluralism