Different Aspects of Multiculturalism and Challenges of Multicultural Co-existence in Ethiopia

Abstract

This study in general underpins the issues of multicultural co-existence in Ethiopia. Specifically the study identified the different aspects of multiculturalism. The study has addressed the challenges of multiculturalism in general and the problems of multicultural co-existence in Ethiopia. To do this the study has used a purely qualitative research methodology. In this study the researcher has also employed phenomenological research design with the help of document review analysis technique. The study identified three forms of multiculturalism, i.e. democratic, conservative and critical. In addition in this study it is investigated that multiculturalism can avoid marginalization that resulted because of neglected past history, can create harmony in between inter- ethnic and inter- racial identities and also consolidates representation in one's own identity in the political sphere of a country. The presence of institutional gap, lack of efficiency coupled with extreme ethnic feelings were identified as the main sources of the problem among others that can deter multicultural co- existence in Ethiopia. Finally the study recommended that marginalization and extreme ethnic feelings should be avoided if and only if the concerned bodies like government, religious institutions and other stakeholders thought about the evilness of the problem. Keywords: Multiculturalism, Co-existence, Challenges DOI: 10.7176/DCS/10-3-01 Publication date: March 31 st 2020