Multicultural Society Research Articles

The Practice of Hinduism in Malaysia

This study investigates the vibrant expression of Hinduism in Malaysia, focusing on the Indian diaspora that has predominantly settled in the region over the last three to four generations. The Indian community, initially brought in during the colonial era for work in plantations and construction, has managed to maintain a distinct cultural and religious identity through the establishment of temples, vernacular schools, and cultural institutions such as drama-sheds. These institutions play a pivotal role in preserving and fostering communal bonds. Methods and Methodology: This research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating fieldwork and library studies. Fieldwork includes participant observation and in-depth interviews with community members, religious leaders, and cultural practitioners. The library study involves an extensive review of historical records, religious texts, and contemporary scholarly works on Hinduism in Malaysia. This dual approach enables a comprehensive understanding of the socio-religious dynamics within the community. Implications: The study highlights the critical role of subaltern social institutions in promoting cultural cohesion and continuity among the Malaysian Hindu community. It reveals how these institutions have enabled the community to navigate and adapt to historical and contemporary challenges, ensuring the preservation of their cultural and religious heritage. The findings contribute to broader discussions on migration, cultural resilience, and the integration of traditional practices within modern societal frameworks. This research underscores the importance of recognizing and supporting the role of community-driven institutions in sustaining cultural diversity and religious pluralism in multicultural societies.

REPRESENTASI PRIMORDIALISME DALAM FILM DOKUMENTER “SEDEKAH KA BUMI” KARYA WATCHDOC

Indonesia is a country with a multicultural society, which has led to the emergence of various customs or belief systems, traditions, and different social structures. The documentary film "Sedekah Ka Bumi" produced by Rendi Dwi Julianto and published by Watchdoc provides information related to one of the Sundanese customs. The purpose of this research is to analyze the representation of primordialism contained in several scenes in the documentary film "Sedekah Ka Bumi" by Watchdoc and also focuses on the customs of the Urug Traditional Village community, Bogor Regency. The representation of primordialism in this film is analyzed through Ferdinand De Saussure's semiotic theory which focuses on Signs, Markers and Signifiers. This research uses qualitative research methods. The results of this study show that the movie "Sedekah Ka Bumi" succeeded in portraying well the elements of primordialism in the culture and religion of the people of Kampung Urug. The film depicts how they maintain their traditions, religious identity, and the way they respect nature. The main message is that the traditional values applied remain relevant and respected in the modern world.

The Power of Small Talk Discourse as Mitigating Conflict in Different Religious Communities in Ntaram

Objective: This research analyzes explicitly the tiny talk (fatik) discourse used by the Ntaram (Manggarai) Flores community as a verbal force to mitigate conflict in plural communities (different religions) in Ntaram, Manggarai-Flores. Method: This research chooses qualitative (interpretive) because the data collected and analyzed is in words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with informants, which were determined purposively. In addition, the observation method is used to observe the daily communication of the plural community in Ntaram. Data were validated through (1) data source triangulation and method triangulation. (2) Checking validity through Focus Group Discussions involving key sources. Results and Discussion: Small talk (fatik) in communicating between people of different religions in Ntaram: (1) Small talk in the form of greetings. Ntaram people call "ite" which means we (first person plural personal pronoun). The word addresses the speech partner (second person personal pronoun). (2) Small talk in the context of greetings, such as nia ngaok, which means "noisy." These pleasantries explain sociologically that the social behavior of the Ntaram people is cheerful and happy to accept anyone. (3) Typical terms of respect related to religion are ata sili mai wae and ata le mai tana golo. Ata silimai wae means people who come from the coast or riverbanks. (4) Ethics of Interrupting Conversations. Ntaram people have small talk about interrupting conversations ethically through small talk such as eta ulu keta ite and no ramping dite. Eta ulu keta means that I uphold your opinion above my head. These four types of pleasantries are most productively used in the context of building brotherhood amidst religious and ethnic differences in Ntaram. Recommendations: The research findings recommend that (1) it is necessary to revitalize the small talk discourse in Ntaram in the form of content taught in schools. Thus, endemic inheritance is carried out well. (2) further research is needed regarding the antecedent factors that influence the harmony of multiethnic society in Ntaram. (3) Research in other areas must reveal how multicultural societies mitigate social conflict through small talk.

LARANGAN PERKAWINAN BEDA AGAMA MENURUT MAHKAMAH AGUNG DALAM SEMA NOMOR 2 TAHUN 2023

Interfaith marriages are not something new for multicultural Indonesian society. Interfaith marriages are common in society and have been going on for a long time. However, this does not mean that interfaith marriages are not problematic by society. In fact, the Marriage Law in Article 2 paragraph (1) determines that marriage is valid if it is carried out according to the laws of each religion and belief. From the Indonesian Conference on Religion and Peace, it was recorded that 1,425 couples of different religions were married in Indonesia in the period from 2005 to early March 2022, this made the Supreme Court finally issue a decree prohibiting interfaith marriages with Circular Letter (SEMA) Number 2 of 2023. The purpose of this writing is to 1) analyze the legality of interfaith marriages according to positive law in Indonesia and 2) analyze the effectiveness of the Supreme Court's decision in SEMA Number 2 of 2023. The conclusion obtained from this writing is that even though Article 8 of Law Number 12 of 2011 concerning the Establishment of Legislative Regulations states that the existence of regulations stipulated by the Supreme Court (SEMA) is recognized and has binding legal force, however, many people think that SEMA is in conflict with the Population Administration Law which does not prohibit the registration of interfaith marriages. SEMA Number 2 of 2023 does not necessarily eliminate interfaith marriages, because if we review their effectiveness, this will return to the awareness of each community.

KONSEP MASYARAKAT MULTIKUTURAL DI INDONESIA DALAM PERSPEKTIF ISLAM

Research on the concept of a multicultural society is motivated by conditions that often occur, namely, social fights, political fights, culture, and even economy, all of which greatly influence the unity and integrity of the nation. From this background, the researcher tries to conduct research, whose research results can be used as an alternative study of people's lives. This type of research is liberary research (literature study), the data can be taken from actual news from newspapers, literature books, and journals. The analysis technique is to study the theory of references, and also to search the Al-Quran and Hadith books, as well as other relevant books. The results and discussion included 1) the concept of a multicultural society that is very appropriate to be applied in Indonesia, because it is in accordance with the conditions of Indonesia which have diversity, be it race, ethnicity, culture and religion. 2) Nadlatul Ulama (NU) as a civil society has fought for this multicultural concept through NU's formal education channels, education in Islamic boarding schools, and recitation of fathers and recitation of women in society. 3) The Islamic perspective on the concept of a multicultural society is very positive, meaning that Islam provides full support and legally there is no imbalance, even so much is revealed in Islamic law either through the Al-Qur'an or Al-Hadith.

Dynamics of Interaction Between Law and Socio-Culture In The Context of A Multicultural Society

In a multicultural society, the interaction between law and socio-cultural factors has a significant impact on people's daily lives. Various social and cultural norms, values and practices often collide with applicable legal principles, causing complex dynamics in law enforcement and the implementation of justice. This research aims to analyze the dynamics of interaction between law and socio-cultural factors in a multicultural society. This study used qualitative research methods. The data collection technique in this research is literature study. The data that has been collected is then analyzed in three stages, namely data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The research results show that the interaction between law and social culture is complex and dynamic. Law can influence social culture and vice versa. Law can influence social culture by encouraging social change and preserving culture. Meanwhile, social culture can influence law by forming norms and values and influencing law enforcement.

Community-Based Education Oriented Towards Socio-Cultural And Religious Values

Education is a fundamental pillar in building sustainable and competitive societies in the era of globalization. Amid the dynamics of social change, it is important for the education system to consider socio-cultural and religious values as a strong foundation in the learning process. This article aims to propose a community-based education approach that integrates socio-cultural and religious values as primary elements. This approach not only emphasizes the transfer of knowledge and skills but also the formation of strong character and deep understanding of the cultural identity of society. Using qualitative conceptual analysis and literature review methods, this research explores the relevance and urgency of education rooted in socio-cultural and religious values in the context of increasingly multicultural societies. In the process, this article presents implementation strategies that can be adopted, identifies potential challenges, and outlines the benefits that can be gained from the proposed education approach. It is hoped that the results of this research can provide deeper insights into the role of education in strengthening cultural identity and promoting social harmony in diverse societies

Racial literacy development in online intercultural education in the EFL classroom

ABSTRACT Intercultural competence refers to people’s ability to understand and respect each other across all types of cultural barriers, and racial literacy stands out as a fundamental component of this competency. Particularly, in Korea, which has recently rapidly become a multicultural society, understanding diversity and cultivating racial literacy are important competencies. To achieve this goal, the teacher's role is important in developing and operating English classes using various teaching materials. This study introduces the development and application of an innovative online intercultural exchange programme conducted in a middle school using multiple technology resources. Going beyond dealing with superficial textbook coverage of multiculturalism, this programme encourages students to reflect on their own prejudices and share cultural experiences through engaging in technology-based open discussions and critical thinking about sensitive issues. In this paper, we first introduce the online intercultural exchange programme and teaching materials that we designed and operated for one semester and then carefully examine each class activity aimed at improving students’ intercultural competence and racial literacy. Finally, we report the presiding teacher’s reflections on the impact of this programme on the students in the class and suggest points for further discussion.

Recruitment of Volunteers with Immigrant Backgrounds: The Impact of Structural and Individual Aspects

AbstractVolunteering is associated with health-promoting benefits for both recipients and volunteers and may contribute to a more inclusive society. However, studies have shown a persistent pattern of social inequality among those who volunteer, and immigrants participate as volunteers less than the majority population. To date, approaches for recruiting immigrant populations have not been sufficiently examined, even though multicultural societies are becoming increasingly diverse. This study investigates how recruitment is carried out in voluntary organizations and how volunteers who are involved in recruitment reflect on the inclusion of citizens with immigrant backgrounds. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 18 volunteers and three employees with recruitment responsibility at five voluntary organizations engaged in welfare and community-related activities in a semirural district in Norway. Our findings show that different structural factors and individual aspects of the recruiter influence the recruitment of immigrants as volunteers. Large-scale organizations are more professionalized and more directed by fundings and frameworks and demand more qualifications due to their volunteer tasks. This might make inclusive recruitment more challenging. Small-scale organizations have more flexibility and less professionalized volunteer activities, making recruitment more inclusive. In addition, if the small-scale organizations are minority driven, it seems to positively influence the recruitment of immigrants through increased diversity sensitivity and more connections with immigrants through their social network.

Perception of Prospective Korean Language Teachers on the Multicultural Phenomenon in Korean Society

The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of prospective Korean language teachers on the multicultural phenomenon in Korean society. For this purpose, written interview data of 30 prospective Korean teachers were collected and analyzed. Written interview data were analyzed using Nvivo12. The contents of the analysis could be categorized into first, the concept of multiculturalism, second, problems of multicultural phenomena, third, perception of multicultural phenomena, and fourth, tasks to be addressed in the future. Multicultural society reveals a complex and multi-layered conflict structure in which internal conflict elements of society coexist with the increase in various minority migrants from the external environment. Therefore, in order for a multicultural society to pursue and realize the value of integration, it must be able to control and resolve newly arising conflict factors in a constantly changing environment. In recent years, the word multicultural has become common in Korean society, and Koreans, are living daily with various immigrants. Therefore, to understand the multicultural phenomenon in Korean society, it is necessary to collect and analyze the opinions of a variety of classes. This study will help Korean society move toward a healthy multicultural society.

The Intersectionality of Conflicts in Micronesia and Hawaii: Through My Eyes

Born to two aliens, who each suppose that we do not belong, I roamed the seemingly unfamiliar landscapes of Hawaiʻi– desperately searching for a place and a voice. I only ask for one thing: accept me as I am, I certainly do come in peace. Born in Hawaiʻi and raised by an alienated family, I was exposed to a number of unique and distinct cultures: Samoans and Tongans performed their own versions of the Haka, Filipinos served their popular chicken adobo dish, and Hawaiians gathered around the lūʻau. Despite being exposed to the unique cultures of Samoans, Tongans, Filipinos, and Hawaiians, I struggled to find a sense of belonging. I felt as though my voice and my culture were not fit to the local kine way of Hawaiʻi. Enveloped by the rich traditions of the islands, I found myself in a paradoxical position– I was surrounded by the vibrant tapestry of Oceanic cultures, yet I felt like an outsider, a mere observer amidst the diversity. To many, I was labeled as a cockroach, a derogatory term used to disparage Micronesians due to their perceived rapid population growth in Hawaiʻi. Micronesians, since migrating to Hawaiʻi starting in the late 1980s, are considered to be a fairly new ethnic group. For that reason, we are often misidentified and tossed into other Pacific islander categories. Worst of all, we are often harassed for being too different. This discrimination and harassment only grew worse as time went on, which amplified the already difficult challenge of finding a place and a voice in Hawaiʻi. As a result, I grew up not only as a young child dealing with challenges, but also as a young indigenous youth desperately seeking for acceptance amidst the tumultuous waves of cultural diversity in Hawaiʻi. Sylvia Elias, an advocate for Micronesians from the island of Pohnpei, explored the geographical, physical, and historical context of Micronesia in Chapter 12 of their book titled Global Indigenous Youth: Through Their Eyes. Her narrative delved into the common values, beliefs, and practices shared across the Micronesia region and touched on aspects of gender roles, economic disparity, social pressures, resilience to trauma, the connection with nature, and a deep-rooted spiritual belief system1. The narrative and insights gained from Elias’ chapter point to the urgent need for greater cultural understanding and inclusion in multicultural societies. For indigenous youths, especially those in diasporic communities like Micronesians in Hawaiʻi, these challenges are multifaceted and involve not just cultural preservation but also the struggle against discrimination and for societal acceptance. To shed a more interpretive light on this issue, I will build off of Elias’ narrative and connect the themes of her text to my own experiences as a Chuukese boy that grew up in Hawaiʻi.

Rethinking peer interaction in language classrooms: students and L1 peers as mediators and experts in higher education

ABSTRACT In today’s multilingual and multicultural societies, different languages and cultural orientations converge for complex purposes. This study examines how Spanish language students and their native peers (L1 peer = L1P) experiment with dynamic and culturally embedded language uses in higher education. The data included conversation recordings between students (N = 17) and L1Ps (N = 2). A qualitative conversation analysis of the student-L1P interaction revealed multiple and shifting learner-expert positions that led to reciprocal intercultural mediation. Both students and L1Ps mediated diverse linguistic and cultural knowledge to each other by relying on a rich array of multimodal mediational means. However, the L1Ps’ role as peers on the students’ level was crucial in fostering communication in the target language beyond native and non-native speaker positions.

Population decline and public attitudes toward multicultural immigration policies in South Korea

AbstractPopulation decline due to low fertility and aging causes socioeconomic challenges such as a shrinking labour force and regional decline. In response to these challenges, there is a growing discussion about accepting immigrants to mitigate the side effects of population decline. This implies the importance of analyzing local peoples' perceptions as a basis of policy and planning in anticipation of demographic transitions toward a multicultural society. While there are many studies on local problems caused by depopulation and perceptions of immigrants based on contact theory and group threat theory, there has been relatively little research on the relationship between depopulation and individual perceptions of immigrants. This study fills this gap by using survey data of Seoul, Korea, the city experiencing both population decline and an increase in immigrants. It employs the multilevel ordered logit model to explore how the decrease in local population associates with individuals' perception on the need for multicultural immigration policies. The results suggest that individuals are more likely to have a positive view of multicultural immigration policies if their region is experiencing a higher population decline. This finding is significant as it demonstrates that a shift to an unfavourable demographic structure can have a positive impact on perceptions of immigrant acceptance, offering a new perspective on the relationship between immigrants and native residents.

A qualitative study on diverse experiences of medication safety among foreign-born persons living in Sweden

BackgroundThe ongoing global migration has led to multicultural societies, with many migrants who do not speak the official language in the host country. This could contribute to communication problems with staff in healthcare and a risk to patient safety. Research on patient safety in medication use in migrants is an under-researched area. The aim was to explore diverse foreign-born people’s experiences and perceptions of self-management of medication and determine if home-based practice patterns have implications on medication safety, and what factors may support safe medication use.MethodsA qualitative explorative study, with individual semi-structured interviews and participant observations in the patients’ home. Qualitative content analysis was applied.ResultsA purposeful sample of 15 foreign-born persons identified by healthcare staff as having language difficulties in Swedish that may pose a safety risk in connection with medication use at home, was selected. Three categories were identified. The first category showed respondents being dependent on another person, having experiences of not receiving information about their medications due to language barriers, having difficulties getting access to the healthcare centre and feeling distrusted/misunderstood. The second category showed respondents being independent and self-motivated Although they struggled, they managed to get access/contact with the healthcare centre themselves and felt understood/listened to by the staff. The last category concerned factors that facilitating medication use; such as having a medication list in the respondents’ own language and offering a choice of language on the answering machine at the healthcare centre. Although they knew it was impossible to get an interpreter at the pharmacy, they felt safe knowing there was always a solution for receiving understandable information.ConclusionThe findings highlighted that language barriers can complicate the communication between migrants and the healthcare, which can affect the medication safety. Understanding of this group is essential to improve the cooperation between patients and staff, leading to culturally congruent care. This knowledge should be used in healthcare to understand the gap in communication to increase patient safety. Further research from other angles, e.g. pharmacy/healthcare staff and relatives is needed to identify and evaluate facilitation to improve the outcome of the intended medication treatment.

Πρόσφυγες ή μετανάστες; Αναπαραστάσεις των προσφυγικών ροών από τους μελλοντικούς εκπαιδευτικούς

Flows of refugee populations into a country usually create a de facto religious, ethnic, linguistic or cultural diversity which eventually has its impact on the host country’s educational system. Objectively existing heterogeneity does not mean, however, that the host country population automatically adopts a positive attitude towards this change and that it endorses without reservations or reactions the official narrative of the value and usefulness of a multicultural society. The positive attitudes of political formations, scientific unions, intellectuals, artists and other influential authorities in the public sphere may contribute to the development of a climate of acceptance of the "other", but the course of the narrative of multiculturalism from its exponents to the wider social body should not be considered linear. Of particular interest are the perceptions of future teachers about the motives behind the refugee flows to the host country. This paper presents and discusses some of the results of an empirical study on a sample of 297 students of educational faculties / future teachers on the motivations of refugees to cross the borders. The central question this article attempts to answer is (a) whether the new generation of teachers sees behind the refugee flows individuals who move because they are in danger (refugees) or persons who attempt to improve their economic life conditions (migrants), and (b) whether this perception has an impact on the degree of endorsing multiculturalism on their part as a positive social model.

Impact of Migration on Identity Formation: A Study of Second-Generation Immigrants

Purpose: This study sought to explore the impact of migration on identity formation looking at the second generation immigrants. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the impact of migration on identity formation. Preliminary empirical review revealed that migration experiences profoundly influenced the construction of cultural identities. Through an analysis of diverse experiences, the study revealed the heterogeneous nature of identity trajectories among second-generation immigrants, ranging from strong attachment to ethnic heritage to fluid, hybrid identities. Socio-cultural factors such as family dynamics, socio-economic status, and institutional support played significant roles in shaping individuals' identity formation processes. The findings emphasized the importance of inclusive policies and supportive networks in facilitating positive identity development among second-generation immigrants, contributing to a deeper understanding of identity construction in multicultural societies. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Identity theory, Intersectionality theory and Acculturation theory may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of migration on identity formation. The study made significant contributions to theory, practice, and policy by elucidating the complex interplay between migration experiences and identity formation among second-generation immigrants. Drawing upon established theories such as Social Identity Theory, Intersectionality Theory, and Acculturation Theory, the study provided a nuanced understanding of the factors shaping identity trajectories. Recommendations included implementing culturally responsive teaching practices, developing interventions to support psychosocial well-being, and adopting inclusive integration policies. These insights empowered educators, mental health professionals, community organizations, and policymakers to create more inclusive and supportive environments for second-generation immigrants navigating their identities within the context of migration.

How Does Religious Pluralism Affect Islamic Education in a Multicultural Society?

In order to meet the problems of religious diversity and foster unity in a multicultural society, this study aims to investigate successful Islamic religious education methodologies. By gathering information from a variety of textual sources, including books, scientific journals, articles, research reports, and other trustworthy sources that are pertinent to the research topic, the research methodology employed is library research. According to the study's findings and conclusions, it's critical to create inclusive curricula and teaching strategies, bolster digital literacy, instill moderate values, work with other educational institutions, incorporate universal values like justice and humanity, and enhance teachers' multicultural competency. Another crucial component of Islamic religious education is sensitivity to gender and equality issues. In a multicultural culture, this strategy can aid in fostering an accepting and tolerant perspective. To put these techniques into practice, it is suggested that support from the government and educational institutions be obtained. The cultivation of multicultural competence and training for Islamic religious education instructors is of utmost importance

The image of Gresik Town Square based on participatory design of multicultural society in Gresik

Gresik Town Square, or Alun-alun Gresik, was originally an open space that was used by local residents for various activities. However, in 2017, the Gresik Town Square was converted into an Islamic Center, which caused pros and cons in the society. This refusal is based on the position of the Gresik Town Square as a cultural heritage and the conditions around the Square are not only based on Islamic culture. This is marked by the existence of the Pentecostal Church and Kim Hin Kiong Temple near the Alun-Alun. This phenomenon generates a “placelessness”, which describes the ignorance of special feature of places in the creation of the new landscapes. The existence of Alun-Alun Gresik, which is an Islamic Center, can slowly replace the special meaning of places, such as the Pentecostal Church and Kim Hin Kiong Temple which are also highly related to the cultural traditions. Based on this problem, the multicultural condition of the Old City of Gresik is the basis for restoring Gresik Town Square by respecting other cultures. Using participatory design approach, this project is trying to involve participants’ contributions in seeing this issue and giving aspirations on the design of multicultural Gresik Town Square. The research employs field observation, interview, survey, and literature review for data collection. The results showed that two groups (accepting and rejecting the design) are likely to have multicultural image of the town square, supported by activities and facilities that accommodate each communities’ culture.

The role of art in the social integration of refugees in multicultural societies

This study aim was to focuses on the interaction of cultural and social factors in a multicultural society, with a particular emphasis on the role of art in promoting social integration. Through the analysis of social reality and the study of the socio-structural function of art, this research explores the challenges faced by different cultural groups in adapting to a diverse society. This study focuses on the interaction of cultural and social factors in multicultural societies, with a particular emphasis on the role of art in promoting social integration. By analyzing social reality and the socio-structural function of art, this research explores the challenges faced by different cultural groups, especially refugees, in adapting to a diverse society. The methodology employed in this work involved studying the problems of ethnic mosaic and multicommunitarianism, developing projects for multinational classes, and enhancing interpersonal skills for teachers working with refugees, with the help of a deep literature review from SCOPUS, Google scholar and Research Gate data bases. The results indicate that the formation of different identities within multicultural communities poses challenges to successful integration. The scientific novelty of this study lies in emphasizing the importance of art as a tool for assimilation and integration in a multicultural environment. By providing a platform for self-expression and resilience-building for young refugees, artistic practices play a crucial role in fostering mutual understanding and tolerance among diverse cultural groups. In conclusion, this research underscores the significance of promoting positive changes in multicultural societies through art and highlights the need for continued exploration of strategies that support the integration and coexistence of diverse cultures.

Exploring the history of colonial towns as centres of national integration: The example of Kafanchan Town, 1926-2011

This paper is a critical inquiry into the process and evolution and urbanization of Kafanchan Town from 1926 to 2011. It is based on the appreciation of the impact of British colonial rule in Nigeria as against the usual dismissive Marxist approach to studying European activities in Africa. The research methodology adopted is an interpretation of both primary (oral/archival) and secondary (published) sources to reconstruct the history of the town. On concluding the work, the analysis of both primary and secondary sources traced the history of the town to the construction of the railway line from the eastern part of Nigeria that culminated into a station located on an uninhabited plot of land. This station is significant because it provided a system of transportation that serves as a link among Nigerians from different backgrounds and also precipitated the process of urbanization in this area. The town has evolved into a centre for national integration. From its beginning, it was cosmopolitan in nature thereby serving as a critical area in enhancing unity in a multicultural society like Nigeria. It started with the sheds erected as quarters for the construction workers and staff of the Nigerian Railways who were composed of diverse ethnic groups; some of the early workers were Yoruba, Igbo, Edo, Tiv, Hausa/Fulani, and the bulk of the natives. The paper therefore posits that colonial infrastructures as part of its economy had a positive impact in knitting the socio-political fabrics of the Nigerian area. This, if properly harnessed, would turn the tide of the much needed national integration in our heterogonous society for a progressive development.