Multicultural Society Research Articles

Multiculturalism in the curriculum: a comparative analysis of the Finnish, Irish and Hungarian national core curricula

Purpose One key aspect of European curriculum reforms is to empower students with the skills needed to engage actively in the pluralistic and multicultural global society of the 21st century. This study aims to examine the extent of multicultural education within the national core curricula of three European countries: Hungary, Finland and Ireland, focusing on its role in fostering social acceptance through education. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research applying discourse analysis was conducted to identify key multiculturalism concepts within the curricula. The analysis concentrated on understanding how multiculturalism is portrayed through various perspectives, emphasizing situational meanings and frameworks. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of the findings was carried out. Findings The research found that all three curricula contain the concept of multicultural education, although the extent of emphasis varies. The Hungarian National Core Curriculum (NCC) primarily emphasizes national values and sporadically addresses multicultural issues, often from a local perspective. In contrast, the Irish NCC is tolerance-oriented, stressing not only the understanding of different cultures but also the importance of accepting them. The Finnish NCC reflects a global perspective and emphasizes respect for different cultures and minority groups, with a pluralistic approach. Originality/value This study enhances our understanding of the discourse of multiculturalism within the curricula of three European countries, emphasizing both their similarities and differences. Additionally, it underscores the crucial role that curricula can play in effectively implementing multicultural education.

Presenting Soviet Korean Identity in a Multicultural Society: Activities of Korean Kolkhoz Politotdel's Ensemble Cheongchun in Uzbekistan during the 1970s and 1980s

This study explores the overview of Soviet Koreans' performing arts activities in Uzbekistan, with a particular focus on the activities of the Soviet Korean kolkhoz Politotdel's ensemble Cheongchun during the 1970s and 1980s. It aims to clarify the roles and implications of the ensemble in a multicultural society. Since the late 1950s, the Soviet Korean kolkhozes, including Politotdel in the Chirchiq district of the Tashkent oblast, Uzbekistan, have experienced remarkable economic growth. In the cultural milieu of the Korean people, dance and music were inherently intertwined, occupying a significant position. Initially established as a vocal‐instrumental ensemble, Cheongchun always integrated dance and music in its presentations, with dance performances playing a crucial role. An official dance troupe was formed in 1976, and in 1984, it was merged with the ensemble Gayageum. Artistic director and dance teacher Jeong‐wook Hwang (1940–), who studied dance in Pyeongyang, Moscow, and Tashkent, made significant contributions to fostering exchanges with North Korean dancers and actively incorporating Seung‐hee Choi's North Korean dance elements. Cheongchun has played a pivotal role in promoting Korean dance and music not only in Uzbekistan but also across the entire Soviet Union and the United States, thereby visualizing the identity and positive image of Soviet Koreans as exemplary citizens in a multicultural society.

Regional Disparities Among Teams in Selected Countries with a Focus on Age Variations

We live in a multicultural environment, surrounded by diverse ethnicities, cultures, races, individuals with varying skin tones, religions, ages, genders, and so forth. How do internal disparities influenced by regional factors impact on us? What distinctions can be observed in team dynamics across regional variations, and how does it influence social cohesion? From our perspective, the growing significance of age, particularly in the context of an aging population and demographic and technological changes, represents a crucial aspect to explore in relation to teams. This study aims to validate or refute a hypothesis that individuals below the age of 36, residing in major cities, exhibit a lower team satisfaction and reduced levels of interaction compared to older counterparts and individuals from smaller towns. Secondary research provided initial insights into this matter. Primary research encompassed data from 250 participants across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Federal Republic of Germany, involving their leisure, work, and sports teams. Given teams represented both developed and underdeveloped regions in the respective countries. Respondents hailed from both major urban centers and peripheral rural towns. The data analysis utilized the SPSS program, employing single-factor ANOVAs to draw conclusions. The outcomes affirm the proposed hypothesis. The null hypothesis of the research is that women under the age of 36 living in large cities are less satisfied in teams than women over 36. The aim of the study is to identify not only age-related but also regional differences in the satisfaction of participants within both work and recreational sports teams.

Metaphors for multiculturalism in the Canadian context

Abstract Although Canada is reputed for being a multicultural society, Canadians’ opinions vary regarding the extent to which multiculturalism should be promoted. Examining metaphorical language in discourse about multiculturalism may reveal which metaphors are typically used to endorse it and which ones are typically used to express a more skeptical stance. This study analyzed 646 opinion pieces regarding multiculturalism published in Canadian newspapers. Linguistic metaphors were identified and then grouped under themes. The texts were categorized according to the authors’ stance, and instantiations of the metaphor themes were tallied to determine if some occur more frequently in discourse that promotes multiculturalism compared to discourse that expresses reservations. Some metaphor themes were instantiated more often either in texts painting a positive picture of multicultural society (e.g., a multicultural society is a varied, multi-component work of art or craft) or in ones expressing reservations (e.g., multiculturalism is a destabilizing or divisive force). Such contrasts were nonetheless attenuated by the way a single metaphor theme can be used to serve different rhetorical purposes. It also appears that writers are not always aware of the entailments of the metaphors they use, especially if these are conventionalized phrases.

From Hegemonic to Hybrid and Back? The Context-Adaptive Masculinity of Polish Male Migrants

The article aims to address the complexity of the models of masculinity (re)produced in the transnational context and explain the role of religion in this process. It draws on qualitative research conducted among religiously committed Catholic male migrants from Poland who have settled in multicultural and secular societies: England, Belgium, and Sweden. The transnational context often makes it difficult for migrant men to practice hegemonic masculinity. Our analysis shows how the isomorphic mechanisms allow for (re)constructing new forms of masculinity that combine diverse and often contradictory meanings available in the transnational contexts (i.e., associated with subordinated masculinities or with femininity). Such hybridized version of masculinity not only helps to adapt to the new transnational context but also allows for rebuilding the privileges traditionally offered by hegemonic masculinity. We also discuss the role religion plays in this process by giving credibility to this hybrid masculinity by rooting it in the sacral order and thus legitimizing it.

A story of food and place: constructing Chinese identities in a multicultural Malaysian society

ABSTRACT This study aims to comprehend how the descendants of Chinese immigrants construct their identities in a multicultural Malaysian society by exploring food culture and its interactions with place. It analyses food, place and identity to elucidate how the Malaysian Chinese community, an integral part of the nation, form and reform their identities via mixing and negotiating with other ethnicities and races, spatially and temporally, in searching for meaningful connections of their life. Forty-seven documents were collected and analysed, resulting in the discovery of 31 food-place-related concepts integrated into 13 sub-dimensions under six dimensions. Two themes emerged: theme one encompassed interactions between food and place, including ‘visual attributes, functionality, and meaning transmission’, while theme two concerned hybridity, incorporating ‘evolution/process, identities, and well-being’. A framework was constructed to illustrate the process through which identities were shaped and reshaped in association with well-being. The process of seeking meaningful connections generates multiple identities for the Malaysian Chinese that are closely linked to their well-being.

Exploration of Simulacra in Moderation Messages: Analysis of Salafi Dakwah on Youtube

This research aims to deepen the moderation messages expressed by Ustad Salafi on the YouTube platform, as well as analyze how the reality of religious moderation is constructed through the perspective of Jean Baudrillard's simulacra theory. The research method applied involved content analysis of videos uploaded by Ustad Salafi, as well as interviews with viewers and followers. The use of Nvivo software makes it easier to code and analyze the collected data. The findings of this research indicate that Ustad Salafi seeks to promote messages of tolerance and peace, by mixing religious principles with the local cultural context. The messages of moderation conveyed through this digital platform have a significant impact in shaping religious discourse and supporting a more inclusive understanding of Islam, especially in the context of Indonesia's multicultural society. This research also highlights the complex dynamics between Ustad Salafi's online persona and the moderation messages he conveys. This shows the importance of understanding how digital media influences people's perceptions of religion and culture, as well as the complexity in the process of forming opinions and beliefs. Thus, this research makes a valuable contribution in understanding the role of digital media in influencing contemporary society's thinking and behavior regarding religious moderation.

PEMBELAJARAN AGAMA ISLAM SEJAK DINI SEBAGAI SARANA KEAGAMAAN DALAM MASYARAKAT MULTIKULTURAL DI ERA DIGITAL

The purpose of writing this article is to find out Islamic religious learning from an early age as a religious means in a multicultural society in the Digital Era, with the rapid pace of technology today certainly has an impact on educational conditions, including in early childhood. Qualitative research method with the type of literature research.. Literature research is a method that utilizes library sources to obtain information or research data. Emphasis on literature research to obtain information or research data. The emphasis of literature research is to find various theories, laws, propositions, principles, opinions, ideas and others that can be used to analyze and solve problems studied in depth from accredited sources. This method can use journals, books, articles or others that are more accurate and up-to-date. There are four steps of literature research: collecting library data, reading and recording and processing research materials. With the findings of the analysis showing that the rapid condition of advances in information and communication technology has a negative impact, therefore multicultural education in this case seeks to provide understanding to the community, especially early childhood students to know about multicultural values, namely acceptance, respect, and respect for all forms of differences. In order not to occur an undesirable condition such as  radicalism, racism, discrimination and so on.

Identity Development in Multicultural Context: Multidimensional Self Exploration Approaches Employed by Modern Orthodox Women

The aim of this study is to examine identity development of Modern Orthodox women as they pursue their studies within a multicultural and multi-faith environment. Content analysis was used to analyze the final papers of undergraduate religious female students in Israel (N=47) who participated in a semester-long dialogue course for Jewish students. The findings revealed three salient themes, suggesting that women's self-exploration developed noticeably within a rich multicultural context: (a) participants engaged in self-reflection by drawing comparisons between themselves and Arab students, leading to an exploration of their religious beliefs and group affiliations; (b) participants embraced their individuality within a multicultural context while balancing their religious duties; and (c) participants critically examined the status of Orthodox women in society, particularly within the family context. These findings highlight the process of identity exploration among Modern Orthodox women, complicated by intersections of religion, gender, and culture. In doing so, this study contributes to the understanding of identity development in multicultural societies.

Assessing the impact of an online dementia awareness initiative co-created with and for English, Arabicand Vietnamesespeaking communities: A case study.

Awareness and understanding of dementia remain limited in ethnically diverse populations in multicultural societies due to culturally inappropriate and inaccessible information. To establish the impact, helpersand hinderers of an online multilingual dementia awareness initiative co-created with and for English, Arabicand Vietnamese speaking people. A case study using mixed methods to assess the impact and implementation of an information session on dementia knowledge. The study was conducted with English, Arabicand Vietnamese speaking individuals in Canterbury-Bankstown, Australia. A dementia alliance co-created an online multilingual dementia information session, which was delivered synchronously in English, Arabicand Vietnamese by trained facilitators. In-session group discussions, quizzesand a postsession survey assessed the impact on dementia knowledge. A postimplementation focus group explored the factors that helped and hindered the initiative. The online dementia information session successfully supported participants understanding of dementia causes, impactsand care strategies. The initiative was hindered by competing priorities and limited accessibility to target audiences, while it was helped by the support of an established organisation and feedback mechanisms. Ongoing dementia education and awareness-raising campaigns that are culturally sensitive are needed in communities to promote dementia literacy and help-seeking. An online multilingual dementia information session can be an effective way to improve dementia literacy and advocate for change in multicultural communities. English, Arabicand Vietnamese speaking members of the Canterbury Bankstown Dementia Alliance participated in the co-creation and evaluation of this initiative.

Barriers to delivery of culturally competent care among nurses: A multi-center cross-sectional study in a resource-limited setting

BackgroundIn a growing multicultural society like Ghana, the cultural competence (CC) of nurses is imperative. Despite the importance of CC within the healthcare environment, factors that hinder nurses’ ability to render culturally competent care (CCC) to patients in the clinical unit have not been adequately explored. PurposeTo examine the barriers nurses encounter in the delivery of CCC across two regions of Ghana. MethodsFrom October to December 2022, an institutional-based cross-sectional study in eight hospitals involving nurses was conducted in the Western and Ashanti regions. A probability sampling method was employed to select 759 participants. Data was entered into a spreadsheet and exported to S.P.S.S version 23. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were used to establish the associations between dependent and independent variables. The odds ratio with a 95 % confidence interval was computed. Outcome variables with a P-value < 0.05 were deemed statistically significant. ResultsThe majority of the respondents were females (61.4 %; n = 466). The three-factor structure of the instrument was validated using an exploratory factor analysis. The study revealed that barriers that hindered nurses were the lack of CCC policies (β = 0.150, 95 % CI = 0.120, 0.180), nurse staffing-related factors (β = 0.120, 95 %; CI = 0.090, 0.150), and the lack of training related factors (β = 0.084, 95 % CI = 0.054, 0.114). Nurses’ age, marital status, and experience were significant at a p-value of < 0.05. ConclusionThe lack of culturally appropriate policies, lack of training-related factors, and nurse staffing-related challenges hindered respondents’ efforts to render CCC. Interventions aimed at improving CCC should target these barriers.

Strengthening the Value of Religious Moderation in the Era of Society 5.0

Indonesian people who are multi-religious are prone to act intolerantly towards religious people and do not use religion as an inspiration in social life but as an aspiration. In addition to an understanding of religious moderation in a multicultural society, Indonesia is faced with the challenges of the 5.0 era of society. where people experience changes to a new life based on information technology. The purpose of this study is to obtain an overview of religious moderation. In addition, this research also aims to provide insights related to strengthening religious moderation amid an information society in the era of Society 5.0. This study used a qualitative approach using library research. The results show that strengthening religious moderation cannot be separated from the value of tolerance. The era of society 5.0 is increasingly open to information about various kinds of different views and understandings of religion. It takes an attitude of tolerance both passively and actively. Passive tolerance is carried out with an attitude of respect, and respect for differences, while tolerance is active, namely communicating both in the real world and the virtual (digital) world, building togetherness, and collaborating in the life of Society 5.0.

Plurilingualism, Multilingualism, and Lingua Franca English in Today’s Globalised World

We live in a multilingual world where English serves as the language of international communication. It permeates every sphere of life, from education to trade, from employment to scientific literature. However, parallel to English as the lingua franca of worldwide exchange, several other languages co-exist and overlap in our multilingual and multicultural society. The purpose of this essay is to discuss the central role of plurilingualism as a way to support multilingualism and linguistic diversity but also as a very important means to enhance cognitive abilities, including metalinguistic awareness. It also considers the prominent role of English as the shared language of worldwide interaction. The ultimate aim of this study is to encourage reflection on a new vision of language teaching, which fosters knowledge of languages as a primary source of social and individual benefits, and, at the same time, focuses on lingua franca English for effective communication in the global society.

다문화·이주민 국가로의 전환과 ‘새로운 우리’를 위한 다문화교육 정책 방향 탐색

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is exploring the direction of multicultural education policy for the “new us” in Korean society, which is in the process of transitioning into a multicultural and immigrant nation.&#x0D; [Methods]This study collected policy cases from the UK and Singapore and derived implications to achieve the research purposes. As a country located in Asia, Singapore is a meaningful case in that it has incorporated a multicultural society into its national identity since the beginning of its founding, while the UK has been experiencing changes in national identity due to the large-scale influx of immigrants.&#x0D; [Results] First, the Singapore government is continuously making efforts to implement civic education suitable for a multicultural society. Emphasizing the role of public education, efforts are being made to establish individuals’ identity that encompasses cultural, national, and global civic identity. Second, in the UK, diversification is accelerating, and a huge budget is being invested to support youth competency development. It approached youth's social competency, social inclusiveness, and social participation in an integrated manner rather than treating them as different areas or approaching them from a fragmented perspective.&#x0D; [Conclusion]Multicultural education policy is not a policy for immigrants, but rather a core education for all youth, and to implement it cooperatively at the governmental level. It is important to realize that the reason the British government was able to secure a large scale budget, enact laws and reorganize the system, and collaborate among ministries was because it recognized that multicultural education should be a priority for the country. This is why it is important to navigate the new direction for multicultural education policy for South Korea in the era of the transition to a multicultural and immigrant country.

외국인 밀집지역 내 내국인 거주민의 외국인에 대한 편견과 범죄두려움의 관계

As of 2023, Korea is living a life where various races coexist beyond a multicultural society due to rapid globalization that has progressed from the past. Nevertheless, the increasing number of crimes against foreigners is increasing the fear of crimes among Koreans. In particular, foreign crimes have led to prejudice against foreigners, and this prejudice causes foreigners to be alienated from society and Koreans to not be able to live with foreigners. For this reason, social cohesion in areas where foreigners are concentrated decreases, and collective efficiency decreases. Collective efficiency is one of the main factors that explain crime fear, and when collective efficiency decreases, crime fear increases. Therefore, this study attempted to present an academic basis to establish a safe society by living with foreigners by identifying the relationship between crime fear, prejudice against foreigners, and collective efficiency of Koreans living in areas where foreigners are concentrated. Based on the group threat theory, the study tried to verify the mediating effect of collective efficiency in the relationship between prejudice against foreigners and fear of crime. Studies have shown that collective efficiency mediates the relationship between prejudice against foreigners and fear of crime. Based on the results, the conclusion suggested ways to reduce prejudice against foreigners by using a bias reduction strategy and to increase the collective efficiency of Koreans living in foreign-dense areas through joint foreign patrols.

Involvement of Minority Social Workers in Policy Practice: Frontline Managers’ Discretion

Abstract In multicultural societies, social workers from diverse groups, including ethnic minority groups, may be engaged in policy practice. Their involvement is emphasised as important and essential to reducing gaps between the majority and the minority. Frontline managers may play a crucial role in legitimising minority social workers to act in policy arenas through forging the organisational culture. Their discretion of involvement can be influenced by institutional opportunities. Interviews with frontline managers in Arab localities in Israel reveal that institutional rules—in the contexts of local government, state and culture largely shape the perceptions of managers as well as the practices and processes in organisations regarding involvement of minority social workers in policy arenas.

BAGAIMANA PERAN GURU MENDORONG SISWA MENJADI WARGA GLOBAL? PEMAHAMAN KERAGAMAN GLOBAL PADA GURU SEKOLAH INDONESIA DAN THAILAND

ABSTRACT&#x0D;  &#x0D; This research focuses on two schools in Indonesia, Aisyiyah Nur'aini Integrated Preschool and Suan Santi School, both of which have a responsibility to teach character development. Both schools have similar learning environments, both in Indonesia and in Thailand, which has a rich cultural heritage. The partners are also schools that focus on Islamic teachings in ECD. This study highlights the importance of understanding the differences between schools as this is a key goal of education to foster a sense of belonging and diversity. Suan Santi School in Thailand is a school for Muslims as a minority, yet the study shows that the majority of students in this school face threats from Buddhist sects, intimidation and violence. To provide knowledge about global awareness, new knowledge is needed from the teachers. In Indonesian and Thai schools, diversity is a distinctive feature that reflects the multicultural and multiethnic societies in which the schools are located. Students come from different backgrounds, religions and cultures, creating diverse experiences and perspectives within the school community. This research looks at two perspectives: the importance of diversity being taught by teachers, and the importance of embracing global diversity.

An ecological model of experienced stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study in Malaysia

In this paper, we adopted an ecological model and relational cognition framework to decolonize pandemic stigma in a non-WEIRD society. We reconstructed the concept of pandemic stigma in an ex-colonized and multicultural society of Southeast Asia region, by conducting a qualitative study in Malaysia to explore their lived experiences of differential treatment during the COVID-19 Pandemic from 2020 to 2022. We interviewed 30 Malaysians aged 18–64 of diverse ethnicities (Malays, Chinese, Indians, and other minorities) through online semi-structured sessions and coded the transcripts through consensus thematic analysis. Results showed that the interviewees’ lived experiences of stigma could be conceptualized as negative interactions with multiple systems: (1) Kinship, (2) Companionship, (3) Organizations, (4) Societal (5) Political, as well as (6) Internal systems. We found that interviewees attributed their experiences of stigma to (1) Individual (self) reasons, (2) Impact of close relationships, (3) Impact of casual social interactions, and (4) Impact of cultural-political context. Our findings could be translated into culturally responsive and context-specific interventions, which addressed systemic injustice that exacerbated the global polarization during the pandemic.

The Problem of Multiculturalism in the Countries of East-Central Europe

The article addresses the question of the possibility of the development of a multicultural andmulti-religious society in East-Central Europe. What prevents such a process is the limited receptionof the Enlightenment in the region, the fundamental role of religion in defending national identities,and the delayed opening to otherness in comparison with the countries of the West. Present-daydynamic changes in all spheres of life – from demography, through politics, to technology – andthe concomitant reactive policies with regard to the problem of immigration are also far fromconducive to such a possibility. The primary solution is the development of long-term educationalprogrammes aiming at a redefi nition of a multicultural society.

Examination of primary school teachers’ attitudes and views towards multicultural education

Just like in many countries around the world, there is a multicultural society in Northern Cyprus. As migrations to the island continue to increase, the phenomenon of multiculturalism has begun to be discussed in the education system. This research was conducted with the aim of determining the attitudes and views of primary school teachers in Northern Cyprus towards multicultural education. Mixed methods strategy was used in this research. In the research, the concurrent triangulation strategy from mixed methods strategies was used. Data collection tools the Teacher Multicultural Education Attitude Scale and developed interview form were used. In the quantitative part of the research, the Teacher Multiculturalism Attitude Scale was applied to 111 randomly selected teachers. According to the survey results, no significant difference was detected depending on the variables of gender, nationality, professional seniority, branch, graduation degree and graduated school. However, significant differences were identified in the multiculturalism scores age and based on the region where the teachers were employed. In the qualitative part of the research, interviews were conducted with 12 participant teachers. According to the qualitative findings, teachers perceived multiculturalism as diversity in terms of nationality, ethnic background, language, and religion. Further, teachers indicated that education in Northern Cyprus does not cater to a multicultural structure, leading to various problems experienced by students and parents, primarily related to communication. The teachers attributed this situation to the unpreparedness of the Ministry of Education (MEB) and the reluctance to change education policies due to an exclusive society. Subsequently, teachers expressed that they did not consider themselves competent in multicultural education and expressed a willingness to participate in in-service training programs if provided.