Cultural diversity

• Cultural diversity

  the existence of a variety of cultural or ethnic groups within a society

  Culture= nationality, race, age, and traditions

  immigration is a key influence

  urban areas, large cities, are places where cultural diversity tends to flourish

  london is considered to be one of the most diverse cities in the world
• Why is there greater cultural diversity in cities?

  cities tend to offer a greater range of employment opportunities

  cities are the first point of entry to the country for many immigrants

  cities tend to house earlier immigrant groups with the same ethnicity

  established cultural diversity in cities means that there are specialist ethnic shops and religious centres located around there

  urban populations tend to be more tolerant of immigrants
• Multiculturalism


  a society that recognises values and promotes the contributions of diverse cultural heritages and ancestries of the varies groups within it
• Problems of cultural diversity

  -tensions between different groups,

  sometimes leading to violence increased pressure on services e.g. schools may need extra staff for pupils who cant speak the native language

  -minority communities can feel isolated and under represented politically

  -social segregation can cause issues: lack of integration can cause prejudice and discrimination

  (hate crime on race and religion)
• 
  

  1. Policy of inter-culturalism has been promoted by some: emphasies interaction and the exchange of ideas between different cultural groups

  2. Intercultural spaces- areas of mutal interest found and community engagement is conducted in libraries, schools, sports clubs, and community centres

  3. UK legislation on anti-racism, employment rights and opportunities- aims to combat discrimination, prejudice, and racism, encourages greater political involvement of different cultural goups

  
  

  How can we solve cultural diversity?
• Why do ethnic groups segregate?


  Self-segegation

  • support and security of living near friends and relatives within ethnic community
  • provision of specialist facilities e.g. food shops and worship
  • protection against racial abuse and attacks
  • maintainance of culture language, and traditions
• Why do ethnic groups segregate?

  
  

  External factors

  • migrants have been a source of cheap labour forcing them into areas of cheap housing
  • minorities have been discriminated against in access to housing, less successful in securing mortgage loans
  • hostlity from majority population