Multiculturalism

The Cultural Mediator

«Differences make us richer.»

Sees cultural diversity as a strength to recognize and protect: integration without forced assimilation, minority rights, inclusive citizenship.

In the test it shows up as a «closeness» on its issues, not as a main label: it is a single-issue movement.

In short

On the traditional scale, this ideology sits in the center-left camp. The clearest positions are on immigration: strongly towards “openness”; sovereignty: strongly towards “integration”; society: fairly towards “progress”; economy: fairly towards “equality”. On devolution it stays balanced. Among the other ideologies, the closest is liberal socialism (94%).

Principles

Recognizing cultural identities
Integration without assimilation
Inclusive citizenship

Recognizing and protecting the different cultures that live side by side in a society.

Common criticisms

Divided societiesCritics fear separate communities that don't talk to each other.

Individual rightsProtecting groups can clash with the rights of individuals.

IntegrationThe right accuses it of not asking enough of newcomers.

Where it comes from

It took hold in Canada in the 1970s under Pierre Trudeau, then in Australia and the United Kingdom.

Key figures: Angela Merkel, Pedro Sánchez

Further reading: Multiculturalism: Examining the Politics of Recognition — Charles Taylor and Jürgen Habermas; Multicultural Citizenship — Will Kymlicka