Cultural Diversity definitions

What is it actually, Cultural Diversity?

When we speak about Cultural Diversity, what do we think of?

Culture , Religion , Ethnicity , Language , Nationality , Sexual Orientation , Class , Gender , Age , Disability , Dialogue , Tolerance , Interaction , Equality , Difference , Racism , Intolerance , Discrimination , Prejudice , Xenophobia , or of even more things?

- And do these factors actually stand alone or do they interplay with each other? What does Cultural Diversity mean for each individual and for each group?

Diversity should be understood as being a fact of our societies, both historically and contemporarily. At school, at work, in every day life we come across cultural diversity...

"Many people speak about the contested nature of this term and that diversity is not merely descriptor of status quo but it must be operationalised. Social justice, equality, recognition and accounting for power relations and historic context must be taken into account when dealing with diversity. Diversity emphasises the multiplicity and fluidity of identities. It could be questioned what relationship it has to the concepts of 'empowerment', 'representation' , 'democracy', 'shared values / unity'."

Dr. Dina Kiwan
(Conclusions of the research seminar on the themes of 'Diversity - Human Rights - Participation'
- Partnership on Research in the Youth Field between the Council of Europe and the European Commission,
Strasbourg 11-13 May 2006)

"Culture takes diverse forms across time and space. This diversity is embodied in the uniqueness and plurality of the identities of the groups and societies making up mankind. As a source of exchange, innovation and creativity, cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. In this sense, it is the common heritage of humanity and should be recognised and affirmed for the benefit of present and future generations."

Article 1 UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity

"Cultural diversity has become one of the major issues of the international debate taking place among international and regional organisations since 1998. Such progressive affirmation of cultural diversity at international level is a contributing answer to growing concerns of civil society and governments regarding the preservation of cultural diversity (as a common heritage of humankind, in a similar manner to biodiversity) as well as the promotion of living cultures and creative capacity. In both dimensions, cultural diversity tends to integrate global strategies of sustainable development. Public authorities are increasingly sensitive to the need to develop intercultural dialogue, with a view to foster peace, security and stability at global level."

European Culture Portal-Cultural diversity at international level

Marina Kalligianni

(traineeship 2006 in SALTO Cultural Diversity Resource Centre)

Last modified: 2008-05-14

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