Multicultural Principles Research Articles

Teachers’ Awareness of Multicultural Education and Diversity in School Settings

Problem Statement: The concept of multiculturalism was in general perceived in terms of ethnic background or difference in race and so brought forth negative viewpoints and apprehensions with regard to the issue. It is undoubtedly of great importance to provide comprehensive educational systems in which individuals in multicultural societies can live together in peace. Therefore the attempt to determine the perceptions of the teachers towards multiculturalism is essential as they are responsible for the organization of class learning environments. Likewise it is important to analyze the degree to which educational programs actually carry or incorporate these multicultural principles with view to ensuring an education that will include all students and ensure they are raised in a way that embraces peace Nevertheless the number of studies conducted in Turkey on this topic to date remains very small. Purpose of Study: The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of teachers’ with regard to multicultural education and diversity and to highlight the awareness of teachers concerning this issue. Method: A qualitative case research design was employed for this study. Within the study there was an attempt to present the thoughts of teachers with regard to multicultural education and at the same time to examine yearly plans to determine to what degree multicultural education had been incorporated into the teaching process. In order to determine the study group, a purposeful sampling technique was used, with the research group consisting of 6 teachers employed during the 2012-2013 academic year at a primary school situated in the province of Istanbul, Turkey. The data of the study were collected by means of semi-constructed interviews, observations and document analysis, and interview questions and an observation form and yearly plans were used as data collection tools. The data obtained were then evaluated in accordance with the content analysis technique. Findings and Results: On analysis of the results it was found that the actual knowledge of the teachers with regard to multicultural education and diversity was found to be adequate and their opinions towards multicultural education were observed to be largely positive. Nevertheless, there were serious confusion and prejudices with regard to certain concepts connected to multicultural education and on these issues teachers were seen to suffer from certain inadequacies. Furthermore, analysis of the yearly plans revealed that the number of attainment goals and activities as well as types of assessment and evaluation tools included that emphasized multiculturalism and diversification were insufficient. Conclusions and Recommendations: In order for teachers to understand the importance and necessity of multicultural education, and for teachers to be able to transfer this into practice in the educational environment itself, the implementation of educational reforms which recognize equal opportunities of learning is a pressing priority. For this reason it is suggested that teachers need to adopt multicultural educational principles and include these in their teaching programs, while the training opportunities available to teachers and academic studies conducted on this topic need to increase. Keywords: Multiculturalism, Multicultural Education, The opinions of teachers

The Main Directions to Overcome the Challenges of the 21st Century in Agriculture

In the article, on the basis of the world and national approaches to the solution of the food problem, the main vectors of the agricultural development aimed at overcoming the challenges of the XXI century and eventually attain the food independence of Russia are proved. The reasons for the decline per capita food production in the world are revealed; the increasing influence, in addition to the population growth, of the equalization of level and quality of food on its dynamics is noted. The dominant current public incentives form the growth rate of demand in advance the production. It is proposed to correct the strategy of agrarian development, while maintaining the principles of multiculturalism in the economy, focusing on the leading role of the large, vertically integrated business entities, and on the import substitution of the basic foodstuffs through the involvement of regional internal resources, including the development of cooperation principles, historically attended the emergence of commodity-money relations in the village. The growth of productivity of production factors is grounded as the main vector that may rectify the situation. It is recommended to diversify a set of cultivated plants and breeds of animals, as well as to develop a new commodity structure of production. The need for food imports is stressed in view of the fact that for the imported products, which are manufactured using primarily the renewable resources, Russia has to pay the price of the potential non-renewable natural resources, making it strategically disadvantageous. In order to achieve the sustainability of the basic parameters and enhance the results of the agricultural activity, it is recommended to use the tools of economic and mathematical modeling of the distribution of economic resources. The findings will be reflected in the justification of the strategy for the regional agricultural development.

Principles of Multiculturality and Human Rights in Latin America – Several Observations

This article argues that the concept of multiculturalism, which is an extremely valuable asset, may, in the context of various interpretations, serve to resolve social conflicts. However, it may also generate conflicts. Using examples from several Latin American countries, the text will present some significant elements that drive processes, in which the principles of multiculturalism may be contradictory to the ideal of multiculturalism on which were grounded.

Human Rights, Principles of Multiculturalism, and New Paths of Development in Latin America

Human Rights, Principles of Multiculturalism, and New Paths of Development in Latin America

The Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Peru

The purpose of this article is to give a brief overview of the evolution of the socio-political and legal status of indigenous peoples in the Republic of Peru, and to present one particular example of the struggle for respect and implementation of their rights, as enshrined in international documents and the Constitution of Peru (1993). In the article the historical and problematic perspective has been assumed, discussing the problem from Colonial times, when important decisions were made by the Spanish administration regarding legal and political aspects of indigenous peoples’ status. Next it is discussed the Republican period, which was characterized by a policy of integration and forced acculturation of indigenous peoples into Creole-mestizo mainstream of society. Then the article focuses on the 20th century and the first attempts to acknowledge the diversity and cultural and ethnic identity of the indigenous population, albeit as part of a paternalistic indigenism movement. Finally, it examines the recent decades, which saw the introduction of multicultural policy principles in the form of particular amendments to the Constitution and ratification of major international documents relating to the rights of indigenous peoples. This last period is characterized by a new model of relations between the state and indigenous, and represents an official effort to move away from discriminatory and marginalizing attitudes towards the Indian community, although implementation of multicultural principles is still a very difficult process due to the ossified and inflexible system of dependency and indolence at the level of local administration. The article concludes with a case study of Comunidad Nativa Tres Islas (Madre de Dios), one of the native communities which has for years been fighting for the implementation of a favorable decision of the Constitutional Court of Peru, which at the regional level is still not respected.

Negative Ecodomy in Romanian Politics and Religion: Anti-Muslim Attitudes in the Bucharest Mosque Scandal during the Summer of 2015

This paper focuses on a chronology of events presented by the Romanian media, especially newspapers with national coverage and impact like Gândul and Adevărul, between the first week of June to the first week of September 2015, when the issue of having a mosque erected in Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, was intensely debated by intellectuals, politicians, and religious professionals. The debates were intensely heated from the onset of these events and most of them revealed that most of the participants were driven by anti-Muslim attitudes, xenophobia, and assertive nationalism, a complex of feelings that I called “negative ecodomy”. The concept of “negative ecodomy” presupposes an attempt to built a safe environment, in this case for Romanians in their own country, but the adjective “negative” was added to the the positive idea of “ecodomy” because these efforts to offer a safe context for Romanians were accompanied by the negativity of anti-Muslim, xenophobic, and nationalistic activities. This array of negative ecodomic attitudes were displayed by Romanians not only in online media but also in the street through protests and other similar actions in a country which has been a member of the European Union for almost a decade and was supposed to adhere to the European Union’s basic principles of multiculturalism and the free circulation of persons. The totality of these events show that Romanians are still rather far from accepting the European Union’s fundamental philosophy or perhaps these principles themselves should be reconsidered and reinterpreted in the context of the massive Middle Eastern and African immigration and the constant, if not increasing threat of Islamic terrorism.

Preserving Russian Cultural Identity of Learners in Multicultural Learning Environment

The purpose of this article is to move readers toward a deeper understanding of and wider respect for the issues of the modern system of bilingual education based on the principles of multiculturalism. Different conditions of learning are taken into account: the Russian language in restricted linguistic medium as well as Russian as a foreign language. The principles of multiculturalism determine the educational concepts used in teaching Russian to diverse categories of learners. The authors developed different approaches to the methodology of teaching the Russian language depending upon the conditions of the language environment.

INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY, CUSTOMARY LAW AND MULTICULTURALISME IN INDONESIA

The awareness of awakening and efforts in reviving the customary law of indigenous communities in Indonesia has been going on for a long time, at least since the end of the reign of the New Order Regime. Customary law as one of the authentic capital of indigenous communities is a reflection of the existence of multicultural principles that have actually existed and been part of the Indonesian society. This work explores the case of cutomary law in West Kalimantan on Katab Kebahan’s practices in Melawi which is potential to be included to the National law. The role of customary law in the life of the multicultural society, like West Kalimantan society, in the modern era should be aligned with the history of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia which was founded by the best children of the nations that agreed to establish a state based on the supremacy of law. Customary law is part of the state law. Therefore, there is s need to think of a proper format for the position and the role of customary law in the Indonesian legal system for the prosperity of society based on equality before the law and justice in accordance with the ideals of the nation. This paper suggests that, as an alternative as to where we might put the position of customary law in a multicultural nation today, we can take the example from patterns made by several countries that have adopted Restorative Justice systems with the main principles that the law is a device to resolve the problems in a just and fair way and with the awareness to return all the problems to the perspective of the law for the common good.
 
 Key words: cutomary law, mulitcultural society, restorative, justice

The Children's Rights, Multiculturalism and Their Implementation for the Education of Roma Children

One of the most significant concerns not only for Albania but even beyond, is the consideration of educational, social, political and economic rights of the Roma community in the locations where they live. Albania has a presence a Roma community in some of its regions, especially in the capital and in its major cities. The principles of multiculturalism, education and the rights of Roma children, naturally, have undergone significant changes in the period after 1990, in Albania. Ministry of Education in cooperation with national and international organizations in compliance with the most essential documents of the Council of Europe, the European Union and others has undertaken a series of initiatives, to facilitate, encourage and promote educational and cultural values of this community. Certainly, there have been problems, delays of some reforms and its measures, but however there has been a good will to move things forward. There are, still, representation problems by the Roma Community associations, and related issues regarding ways of handling educational rights by the local government units and other related bodies. This article provides an overview of the main educational issues of the Roma Community including the role of institutions, teachers and pupils. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2015.v4n2s2p182

Intercultural Communication: An Application to Group Work

Interdisciplinary literature on intercultural communication is critically reviewed as a source of evidence-based strategies for group counselors dedicated to enhancing effective intercultural communication within and between groups. We discuss the Association for Specialists in Group Work’s Multicultural and Social Justice Competence Principles for Group Workers on intercultural communication and expand understanding of these principles. Using practical examples grounded by interdisciplinary literature, we discuss the dynamics of intercultural communication and implications for the practice of group work.

Diversity and nationalism in the Basque Country and Flanders: understanding immigrants as fellow minorities

Why have immigrant integration policies in the Basque Country and Flanders been framed according to multicultural principles? This paper offers an addendum to rationalist and institutionalist approaches, arguing that we cannot make sense of multicultural policies in these two cases without considering the interplay between historical narratives that undergird the nation and elite decision-making. Narratives of cultural oppression have been essential for nationalist mobilization in the Basque Country and Flanders. In turn, the choice of multiculturalism over assimilation by sub-state elites made sense because it fits with their understanding of the nation as an oppressed group.

Diversity in universality

AbstractMulticulturalism is one of the principles of library functioning. Each well-operated library tries to realise it by the contents of its collection and by providing access for all potential users. The paper presents the ways by which Slovene libraries accomplish their mission of general public access to library material and information. It has been evident that in those libraries where multiculturalism is a standard daily practice librarians do not distinguish between superior and inferior users, or better and worse visitors. On the contrary, they try to re-establish open relationships, exchange experience, acknowledgement, respect and active co-existence of the differences in the community. Usually, ethnic minorities are the touchstones for libraries regarding the fulfilment of the principle of multiculturalism. Therefore, we have surveyed the effectiveness of the latter in those areas where the Italian, the Hungarian and the Romany nationalities live. We ascertained that it does not depend only upon the economic development of the environment or formal and professional recommendations but also upon the librarians’ understanding of the library’s mission and enthusiasm for its realisation.

Reforming Multiculturalism in a Bi-National Society: Aboriginal Peoples and the Search for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada

Since the 1960s, some Aboriginal theorists and political leaders have opposed principles of multiculturalism in Canada. They do so largely on the premise that they dilute Aboriginal legal rights and cultural distinctiveness. Multiculturalism and its promise of generic tolerance (within western institutions) and formal equality go against what many Aboriginal peoples desire from the federal state. Multiculturalism also fails to grapple with the continuing inequalities between Aboriginal and settler populations. This article argues that we need to work towards embracing a “syncretic multiculturalism,” which will involve adopting a “bi-national” perspective, focusing on the need for partnership between Aboriginal and Shognosh people, thus moving away from our current “mono-national” and “colonial multicultural” policies. Without acknowledgment of the harms that continue to be done by our state, and without a genuine effort to repair those harms, both multiculturalism and bilingualism buttress colonialism, and impede any form of genuine reconciliation with Aboriginal peoples.

Globalisation, immigration and multiculturalism – the European and Australian experiences

Australian multiculturalism – an integrative policy strategy aiming at managing cultural diversity – was adopted as government policy in Australia in the 1970s. In its original rendition, Australian multiculturalism was embedded in classical sociological theory, integrative, reciprocal, egalitarian and respectful of the majority. However, it has also been confused with ethnic pluralism and assimilationist ‘melting pot’ approaches, and these confusions are apparent in the recent European and domestic criticisms. The article outlines the principles of Australian multiculturalism, identifies its theoretical foundations, and highlights some of the popular confusions about its meaning, focus and objectives.

Confusions about multiculturalism

Australian multiculturalism – an integrative policy strategy aiming at managing cultural diversity – was adopted as government policy in Australia in the 1970s. In its original rendition, Australian multiculturalism was embedded in classical sociological theory, integrative, reciprocal, egalitarian and respectful of the majority. However, it has also been confused with ethnic pluralism and assimilationist ‘melting pot’ approaches, and these confusions are apparent in the recent European and domestic criticisms. The article outlines the principles of Australian multiculturalism, identifies its theoretical foundations, and highlights some of the popular confusions about its meaning, focus and objectives.

Affirmative Action and Nation Building in Malaysia: The Future of Malay Preferential Policies

Abstract This paper examines how the affirmative action programme based on Malay preferential policies has influenced the formation of ambiguous socio-cultural policies (incorporating Malay cultural dominance and the recognition of non-Malay cultural rights) that hinder the development of national integration. This study is conducted by analysing the relationship between Malay preferential policies and the principles of assimilation and multiculturalism. Because Malay preferential policies are logically incompatible with the principles of assimilation and multiculturalism, these policies influence the shaping of ambiguous socio-cultural policies. In addition, the direction of Malay preferential policies is examined by considering ethnic tensions regarding these policies and the government’s efforts after the 2008 election. The government is confronting a dilemma and has not yet determined its direction. Malay preferential policies will not be abolished in the near future, and the nature of socio-cultural policies will remain ambiguous. Thus, a dramatic development of national integration cannot be expected in the foreseeable future.

The transformation of the Swedish political party system in the late 20th/early 21st century

107 This article studies the transformation of Swedish political party system in the 1980s, and aims to develop its typology before and after the transformation. The article identifies several key prerequisites for such transformation: among them, the crisis of social democracy and an increase in the nationalist feelings in society. The latter is caused by the negative effects of attempts at social integration of the migrants and introduction of the principles of multiculturalism. Ethnic tension manifested itself in the wide-spread support for the Swedish Democrats party in the 2010 parliamentary election. From a political party system dominated by social democrats, Sweden has gone to a system with two leading parties — the left-wing Swedish Social Democratic Labour Party and the right-wing Moderate Party. The Swedish Democrats position themselves as an alternative to the two party blocs headed by the ruling parties (the Alliance and the RedGreens). The study employs an interdisciplinary approach and uses the methods of scientific synthesis. Its findings can be of practical significance for politicians, social activists, and academics alike.

Returning to Our Roots

This introductory article to the special issue on immigrants and work provides a historical context of the career development profession. Beginning with Parsons and the early reformers of the 1900s, the authors contend that the field was founded on principles of social justice and multiculturalism with an aim toward societal change. Just as helping professionals assisted the new immigrants of the previous century, there is a need and opportunity to be of service to the immigrants of the 21st century. Unique career-related issues for immigrant clients are discussed. An overview of the six pieces in this volume is briefly described along with common themes.

Use of Traditional and Nontraditional Instruments with Traumatized Children in Bethlehem, West Bank

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the author's experiences and observations concerning Palestinian children's musical responses when playing traditional and nontraditional music instruments during music therapy sessions and reflect upon the implications for music therapists working in other cultures. The children involved were 20 first to fifth graders from two different schools in the Bethlehem within the West Bank of the OPT. They ranged in age from 7 to 1 2, with a mean age of 9.45 years. The focuses of the entire project involved evaluating the potential for using a seven-component music therapy protocol (Behrens, 2008) to develop the emotional coping skills of children traumatized by the ongoing conflict within Bethlehem (Thabet, Abdulla, Elhelou, & Vostanis, 2006; Thabet, Abed, & Vostanis, 2002, 2004), and to investigate the emotional support provided by families and social support systems within the community. Although Palestinians have traditionally tended to be fairly stoic in their expression of emotions (Baker & Shalhoub-Kevorkian, 1999; Pines & Zaidman, 2003), most people in Bethlehem stated that the on-going multitraumatic situation now warrants a change (Mapp, Behrens, & Socha, 2012). Many now believe talking about emotions is a way for the children to cope and develop resilience (Mapp et al., 2012). I left with only minimal plans for the music therapy sessions based on my limited email interactions with one health care professional at a facility in Bethlehem. As the setting and limited opportunity to prepare provided challenges in setting up the program, I therefore needed to explore and make all arrangements for the music therapy sessions once I arrived, including the purchase of some instruments.Use of Instruments as Reported by Other Music TherapistsUnfortunately, there is little written about what music therapists might consider when selecting music instruments for use in sessions involving clients from other cultures. At most, music therapists working with traumatized individuals from other countries or with clients from other cultures only listed or briefly discussed the instruments with which they worked. Orth and Verbingt (1998) reported working with refugee clients using instruments from their native countries as well as what they called universal instruments such as guitar and (p. 86). Chase (2003) referred to the piano and guitar as more Western-European instruments and suggested using rhythm and accompanying instruments from other countries such as cabasas, maracas, and guiros. These instruments, however, have become common in most music therapy sessions in the United States. In a later report of their work, Orth, Doorschodt, Verburgt, and Drozdek (2004) discussed that they also used drums, xylophones, and harps tuned to a pentatonic scale, rainmakers, ocean drums, small rhythm instruments, and rhythm eggs. Within the Sing and Crow programs in Australia, Williams and Abad (2008) used indigenous instruments that were supplied by the organizations with whom they worked. Pavlicevic (2002) wrote about using any instrument or sound surface that was available such as tables, glasses, or the floor, with the children in Africa. Lang and Mclnerney (2002) discussed using drums, piano, and xylophones with the children in Bosnia. Although Bergmann (2002) also reported the benefits of music therapy programs in Bosnia, her discussion did not involve a list of selected music instruments.Though this literature provides some context for music selection, it does not adequately contextual ize how instruments may be selected and used. This created somewhat of a dilemma - how does one go about selecting instruments when working with clients in a new cultural setting. As no clear guidelines were provided, I began by examining multicultural literature to see if suggestions or guidelines might emerge.Review of Multicultural ConceptsWhen working with clients from other cultures, there is a growing body of literature about various multicultural principles that could influence a therapist's choice of music instruments and interpretation of resulting musical responses. …

What type of global community and citizenship? Tangled discourses of neoliberalism and critical democracy in curriculum and its reform

Countries around the globe are responding to the pressures of globalisation, standardisation, accountability and market rationality. In curriculum reform, we theorise these pressures as neoliberal cosmopolitanism because they are intended to promote a new type of entrepreneurial citizen that navigates an increasingly interconnected global community. However, there is resistance to these pressures by educators who promote a global community based upon principles of critical democracy and multiculturalism. Because public schools are a powerful regulatory force in society, this curriculum struggle between neoliberal and democratic intents is increasingly significant. It is a struggle that defines the size, scope and qualities of our future global community. We used principles of critical discourse analysis to examine brief examples in two countries, the Philippines and the United Kingdom. Our examination illustrates how, although these countries have very different contexts, curriculum often sends competing messages related to neoliberal and democratic intents. Our analysis has implications for curriculum reform and changing understandings of our global community.