MULTICULTURALISM By Rizalina G. Gomez, Ph.D.

Multiculturalism – is a policy that emphasizes the unique characteristics of different cultures, especially as they relate to one another in receiving nations

Multicultural Education An emerging discipline whose aim is to create equal educational opportunities from diverse racial, ethnic, social class and cultural groups.

Multiculturalism – is a public policy approach for managing cultural diversity in a multiethnic society, officially stressing mutual respect and tolerance for cultural differences within a country’s borders. Emphasis: Unique characteristics of different cultures.

Referents of Multiculturalism 1.Demographic-descriptive usage -occurs where the word multicultural refers to the existence of linguistically, culturally and ethnically diverse segments in the population of a society or state

2. Ideological-normative usage - constitutes a specific focus towards the management and organization of governmental responses to ethnic diversity 3. Programmatic-political usage - refers to specific policies developed to respond and manage ethnic diversity

Multicultural Education An emerging discipline whose aim is to create equal educational opportunities from diverse racial, ethnic, social class and cultural groups A progressive approach for transforming education that holistically critiques and addresses current shortcomings, failings and discriminator practices in education

Contribution Additive Transformation Social Action Approaches to Multicultural Education

Dimensions to Multicultural Education Content Integration Knowledge Construction Process Prejudice reduction Equity Pedagogy Empowering school culture and social structure

References: Vega, Violeta A, Nelia Prieto G. Carreon, Myrna L. (2006) Social Dimensions of EducationManila: Lorimar Publishing Company