M11L1: CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Why does cultural diversity matter?

Embracing cultural diversity

M11L2: What is post-structuralism?

M11L2:Michel Foucault- A Post Structuralist

M11 L3: The Challenges of Post-Modernism

Introduction to Post Modernism

What is Post Modernism

what is cultural diversity?

Cultural diversity refers to the variety of human societies or cultures in a specific region or in the world
as a whole. It encompasses the differences in the ways of life, beliefs, traditions, languages, and customs
among various groups within a society. [1][2][3]

Cultural diversity is synonymous with multiculturalism. Multiculturalism is defined by

the Encyclopedia Britannica as, “the view that cultures, races, and ethnicities,
particularly those of minority groups, deserve special acknowledgment of their
differences within a dominant political culture.”

The key points about cultural diversity are:

- It arises from the presence of different cultures, ethnicities, races, religions, and socioeconomic
backgrounds within a population. [1][2][3]

- It brings challenges in terms of how to accommodate and respect these differences, but also provides
opportunities for learning, exchange, and enrichment. [1][2][3]

- It is an important consideration in fields like education, where teachers need to be able to effectively
engage with students from diverse backgrounds. [1]

- It is also relevant in areas like healthcare, social services, and policy-making, where understanding
cultural differences is crucial for providing appropriate and equitable support. [2][3]

Overall, cultural diversity reflects the complex tapestry of human experience and identity, and navigating
it requires sensitivity, openness, and a commitment to inclusion. [1][2][3]

Citations:

[1] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/0cb13e2f1420ee15f0ed7a01547d52a0ecda1221
Santoro, N., & Kennedy, A. (2016). How is cultural diversity positioned in teacher professional standards? an
international analysis. Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, 44, 208 - 223.

[3] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/01eede1d637b72c3a200fcb6c15b7fc4ffc409d8

Anderson, J. (2020). What is care and what is not caring? The challenges of cultural diversity, Cuadernos
de Relaciones Laborales, 38 (2), 305-325.
https://web.archive.org/web/20201129163821/https://revistas.ucm.es/index.php/CRLA/article/
download/70892/4564456554811

[4] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/b4bacc1be2e8c5fe087fd1ea74d814f3e853bc73
(2020). Rights-Based Conservation: The path to preserving Earth's biological and cultural diversity?

[5] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/bd79fea1e2ad19e17c1b5b8563cdda0982681678

Poort, I., Jansen, E., & Hofman, A. (2022). Does the group matter? Effects of trust, cultural
diversity, and group formation on engagement in group work in higher education. Higher
Education Research & Development, 41(2), 511–526.
https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2020.1839024

why is cultural diversity important?

Cultural diversity is crucial for various aspects of society due to its numerous benefits. It enhances social
life processes by fostering learning, exchange, and enrichment among different groups within a
population. Additionally, cultural diversity is essential for climate change resilience, as local languages
and dialects contribute significantly to analyzing environmental issues and developing sustainable
strategies. Moreover, in fields like radiography and language education, cultural diversity plays a vital role
in effective communication, cultural competence, and promoting understanding among diverse
communities. Overall, cultural diversity is important because it enriches societies, promotes
environmental awareness, enhances communication, and fosters harmonious interactions among
individuals from different cultural backgrounds.

The importance of cultural diversity can be interpreted on the basis of these related
actions:

 Recognizing that there is a large amount of cultures that exist

 Respecting each other’s differences

 Acknowledging that all cultural expressions are valid

 Valuing what cultures have to bring to the table

 Empowering diverse groups to contribute

 Celebrating differences, not just tolerating them

So, what are some examples of cultural diversity?

Cultural diversity looks like this:

 In A Workplace: Having a multilingual team, having a diverse range of ages

working together, having policies that are vocally against discrimination, etc.

 In A School Setting: Having students from all over the world (like at the
University of the People), being accepting of all religious practices and traditions
that students part take in, supporting students to share their cultures with one
another, etc.

Citations:

[2] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/21c61708f4c2009210f129993f27030da850e749
(2002). Mind Viruses and the Importance of Cultural Diversity. Community, Diversity, and Difference.

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38519453/

Couée I. (2024). The importance of worldwide linguistic and cultural diversity for climate change
resilience. Ecology letters, 27(3), e14410. https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.14410
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32439284/

Chau M. (2020). Cultural Diversity and the Importance of Communication, Cultural Competence,
and Uncertainty in Radiography. Journal of medical imaging and radiation sciences, 51(4S), S17–
S22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmir.2020.04.005

[5] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/c085e20ec4925baebcc03c3ee0c7518bc55b61df
Ямшинська, Н., Куценок, Н., Ставицька, І., & Корбут, О. (2023). THE IMPORTANCE OF PROMOTING
CULTURAL AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN LANGUAGE
CLASSES. Наукові інновації та передові технології.

how can cultural diversity be embraced and

celebrated in education
Embracing and celebrating cultural diversity in education involves several key strategies and approaches
based on the insights from the provided sources:

1. **Incorporating Cultural Diversity in Curriculum**: One way to embrace cultural diversity in education
is by integrating diverse perspectives, histories, and traditions into the curriculum. This can involve
including content that reflects the cultural backgrounds of students and exposes them to a variety of
worldviews. By doing so, educators can create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment. [3]
[5]

2. **Promoting Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity**: Educators can foster cultural diversity by
promoting awareness and sensitivity to different cultures among students and staff. This includes
organizing cultural events, inviting guest speakers from diverse backgrounds, and encouraging open
discussions about cultural differences. By creating opportunities for dialogue and understanding, schools
can cultivate a more inclusive and respectful community. [3][4]

3. **Training and Professional Development**: Providing training and professional development for
teachers on cultural competence and diversity can enhance their ability to support students from various
cultural backgrounds. This training can include strategies for effective communication, addressing bias,
and creating culturally responsive teaching practices. By equipping educators with the necessary skills
and knowledge, schools can better meet the needs of diverse student populations. [3][5]

4. **Incorporating Diversity in Policies and Standards**: Ensuring that diversity is reflected in

educational policies and standards is essential for creating an inclusive learning environment. This
involves considering the needs of culturally diverse learners in curriculum development, assessment
practices, and teacher training programs. By embedding cultural diversity in institutional policies, schools
can demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion. [5]

By implementing these strategies and approaches, educational institutions can effectively embrace and
celebrate cultural diversity, creating a more inclusive and enriching learning environment for all students.

The Importance Of Cultural Diversity In Education

Cultural diversity is important in every setting in life, but it can be even more pivotal
when it happens within education. Students around the world have the right to equal
access of quality education, and as such, there are many upsides that come along with
it when institutions believe in the power of diversity.

Cultural diversity in education helps to support:

1. Deep Learning

Learning happens within the curriculum and outside of it. With a diverse student
population, students have the privilege of gaining more understanding about people and
backgrounds from all over. This also contributes to diversity of thought and perspectives
that make learning more interesting and dynamic.

2. Confidence And Growth

When students participate with people from varied cultures, it provides them with more
confidence in dealing with things outside of their comfort zones. It can build strength of
character, pride, and confidence.

3. Preparation For The Future

If a workplace has done the necessary work, it’s bound to be culturally diverse.
Attending a culturally diverse institute of education will prepare students for their future
in a workplace.

4. More Empathy

Interacting with people who have diverse practices, beliefs, life experiences, and culture
promotes empathy. While you can never fully understand someone’s life without being
them, you can learn, listen, and understand.

Citations:

[3] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/38e421779b3bd675cfda74c9f95dc7bbf45d7e0c

Crittenden, V. L., Davis, C., & Perren, R. (2020). Embracing Diversity in Marketing Education. Journal of
Marketing Education, 42(1), 3-6. https://doi.org/10.1177/0273475319897230

[4] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/3679e3c00d1b8bb8ec6e4fceba0ce57d88830d9f

Buckworth, J. (2019). Symbolic violence in teacher education: embracing cultural diversity or

cultural discrimination? Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, 47(3), 309–321.
https://doi.org/10.1080/1359866X.2018.1548691

[5] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/0cb13e2f1420ee15f0ed7a01547d52a0ecda1221

Santoro, N., & Kennedy, A. (2016). How is cultural diversity positioned in teacher
professional standards? an international analysis. Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher
Education, 44(3), 208–223. https://doi.org/10.1080/1359866X.2015.1081674

Benefits Of Cultural Diversity

The world is naturally multicultural. Approaching cultural diversity with a mindset and
actions that embrace this fact leads to many benefits, like:
  Compassion: Communication and understanding of differences leads to
increased compassion instead of judgment.

 Innovation: Varied perspectives and lens of looking at the world lend to

innovative thinking.

 Productivity: People who come together and bring their own style of working
together tend to support a more productive team.

 New Opportunities: The diversity opens the door to new opportunities and the
blending of ideas which would otherwise have been homogeneous.

 Problem-Solving: Challenges are layered, so having people with different

backgrounds can lead to better problem-solving with richness of opinions.

How To Support Cultural Diversity

Individuals and institutions alike have the agency to support cultural diversity. If you’re
unsure how you can take action to do so, consider these ideas:

 Interact with people outside of your culture

 Be open-minded to listen and let go of judgment

 If you see anyone who is being culturally insensitive, speak out against it

 Accept that differences are beneficial and not harmful

 Don’t force your beliefs on people with opposing views

 Advocate to hire people or work with people who are not within your same culture

 Travel the world as much as you can to take part in cultures and understand
them from the source

 Read literature and learn from different cultures

 Absorb media and art from around the world

 Learn a new language and communicate in a friend’s native language rather than
your own
https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/what-is-cultural-diversity/

1.Prejudices and Stereotypes: An example of this challenge is when individuals from a particular cultural
background are unfairly stereotyped or discriminated against based on misconceptions or biases. For
instance, assuming that all members of a certain cultural group possess negative traits without
considering individual differences.

2.Communication Barriers: Communication barriers can arise when individuals speak different languages
or have contrasting communication styles. For example, misunderstandings may occur in a multicultural
workplace due to language differences, leading to ineffective collaboration and work-related issues.

3.Conflict and Misunderstandings: A common challenge in culturally diverse societies is the potential for
conflicts and misunderstandings. For instance, cultural differences in beliefs or practices may lead to
disagreements or tensions between individuals, communities, or nations.

4.Social Segregation: Social segregation can manifest in neighborhoods or communities where people
from diverse cultural backgrounds live separately and have limited interaction. For example, ethnic
enclaves in cities where residents primarily socialize within their own cultural groups, limiting cross-
cultural engagement.
5.Identity Politics: Identity politics can create divisions based on cultural identities. For instance, conflicts
arising from historical grievances or cultural differences between ethnic or religious groups that fuel
tensions and hinder social cohesion.

6.Assimilation Pressures: An example of assimilation pressure is when immigrants are expected to adopt
the dominant culture's norms and values to be fully accepted in a new society, potentially leading to the
loss of their cultural heritage and identity.

7.Inequality and Marginalization: In a culturally diverse context, inequality and marginalization can be
seen in disparities in access to education, employment, or healthcare based on cultural background. For
example, minority groups face systemic discrimination that limits their opportunities for advancement.

8.Lack of Inclusivity: A lack of inclusivity can be observed in institutions or organizations that do not
value or accommodate diverse cultural perspectives. For instance, a workplace that does not promote
diversity and inclusion, leading to a homogenous environment that excludes individuals from minority
cultures.
what is post structuralism?

Post-structuralism is a philosophical and critical theory movement that emerged in the late 20th century,
primarily in France. It is characterized by a rejection of the structuralist view that language and culture
can be understood through an overarching system or structure.

The key ideas of post-structuralism include:

- Language and meaning are unstable and constantly shifting, rather than fixed or universal. Words and
concepts do not have inherent, essential meanings.[1][2]

- There is no single, objective "truth" or "reality" - knowledge and meaning are socially constructed and
influenced by power dynamics.[3][4]

- Identity and subjectivity are fragmented, fluid, and shaped by discourse rather than being fixed or
essential.[2]

- Critiques traditional binary oppositions (e.g. man/woman, rational/emotional) and seeks to deconstruct
and destabilize them.[2]

- Emphasizes the role of power, ideology, and discourse in shaping knowledge, culture, and social
relations.[1][3][4]

In summary, post-structuralism rejects the notion of stable, universal structures underlying language,
culture, and identity, and instead views these as contingent, context-dependent, and shaped by power
dynamics.[1][2][3][4][5]

Citations:

[1] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/12800ecf94b1bf0b0b4ba49159b3e9fe0918bb5f

Turner, B. (2017). Ideology and Post-structuralism after Bernard Stiegler. Journal of Political
Ideologies, 22(1), 92–110. https://doi.org/10.1080/13569317.2016.1253135

[2] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/549cf43de97a34ad81206a0c44b76562c1ecb982
Alcoff, L.M. (1988). Cultural Feminism versus Post-Structuralism: The Identity Crisis in Feminist
Theory. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 13, 405 - 436.

[4] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/5f94dfd7fee94666a569bf88cbc18346d23f889b

Ma, J. (2013). Exploring the complementary effect of post-structuralism on sociocultural

theory of mind and activity. Social Semiotics, 23(3), 444–456.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10350330.2012.741398

[5] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/643b78846c81cfb93b1744c0b4422d461f2882f4
McCarthy, G. (2013). Out of Africa: post-structuralism’s colonial roots. African
Identities, 11(3), 336–340. https://doi.org/10.1080/14725843.2013.839122

what are the main ideas of post-structuralism

The main ideas of post-structuralism, as highlighted in the provided sources, include:

1. **Rejection of Fixed Meanings**: Post-structuralism challenges the idea of fixed or universal

meanings in language and culture, emphasizing the instability and fluidity of language[1][2].

2. **Critique of Binary Oppositions**: Post-structuralism critiques traditional binary oppositions, such as

man/woman or rational/emotional, seeking to deconstruct and destabilize these dualities[2].

3. **Socially Constructed Knowledge**: Post-structuralism asserts that knowledge and meaning are
socially constructed and influenced by power dynamics, rejecting the existence of a single, objective
truth or reality[3][4].

4. **Fragmented Identity**: Post-structuralism views identity and subjectivity as fragmented, fluid, and
shaped by discourse rather than being fixed or essential[2].

5. **Emphasis on Power and Discourse**: Post-structuralism emphasizes the role of power, ideology,
and discourse in shaping knowledge, culture, and social relations, highlighting the influence of power
dynamics on various aspects of society[1][3][5].

In summary, post-structuralism challenges the stability of language and meaning, critiques binary
oppositions, emphasizes the socially constructed nature of knowledge, views identity as fragmented, and
underscores the role of power and discourse in shaping society and culture[1][2][3][4][5].

Citations:

[1] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/beaa48030080264727c736b09ddbb9e6be708516
Pramanik, R. (2015). Theoretical Challenges to Marxism: A Review of Main Ideas of Critical Theory, Post
structuralism and Post Modernism. Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 6, 33-40.

[2] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/b8f8b53f896d67cbbb24e3f807f613327c55efe4
Walshaw, M. (2013). Post-Structuralism and Ethical Practical Action: Issues of Identity and Power. Journal for
Research in Mathematics Education, 44, 100-118.

[3] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/5f94dfd7fee94666a569bf88cbc18346d23f889b

Ma, J. (2013). Exploring the complementary effect of post-structuralism on sociocultural

theory of mind and activity. Social Semiotics, 23(3), 444–456.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10350330.2012.741398

[4] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/549cf43de97a34ad81206a0c44b76562c1ecb982
Alcoff, L.M. (1988). Cultural Feminism versus Post-Structuralism: The Identity Crisis in Feminist
Theory. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 13, 405 - 436.

[5] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/12800ecf94b1bf0b0b4ba49159b3e9fe0918bb5f

Turner, Ben (2016) Ideology and Post-structuralism after Bernard Stiegler. Journal of Political Ideologies,
22 (1). pp. 92-110. ISSN 1356-9317.
What is post modernism

Postmodernism is a complex and multifaceted intellectual movement that emerged in

the mid-20th century, primarily in the fields of literature, philosophy, and art. It is
characterized by a rejection of traditional notions of objective truth, grand narratives,
and the idea of a single, universal reality[1]. Postmodernism is often associated with the
work of thinkers such as Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault, and Jean Baudrillard, who
challenged the dominant narratives and power structures of the time.

One of the key features of postmodernism is its emphasis on the instability and
ambiguity of language and meaning. This is reflected in Derrida's concept of
"différance," which suggests that meaning is always in a state of deferral or delay, and
that signs and symbols can never fully capture or contain the complexity of reality[1].
This perspective has significant implications for how we understand the nature of truth,
identity, and the human condition.

Postmodernism has also been associated with a critique of modernity and the
Enlightenment values of reason, progress, and universalism. It has been seen as a
response to the perceived failures of modernity, such as the rise of totalitarianism, the
horrors of World War II, and the disillusionment with the idea of a single, objective
truth[2].

In the context of English literature, postmodernism has been characterized by a rejection

of traditional notions of realism and a focus on the fragmented, provisional, and often
ironic nature of human experience. This is reflected in the work of authors such as
Thomas Pynchon, Don DeLillo, and Margaret Atwood, who have explored the
complexities and ambiguities of contemporary life[1].

In the context of religious life in Indonesia, postmodernism has been seen as offering an
attitude of tolerance and respect for religious plurality, which is particularly relevant in a
country with a diverse religious landscape[3].

The concept of post-neomodernism has also been proposed, which is seen as a

response to the perceived limitations of postmodernism and the need for a new
singularity in the arts[4]. This perspective emphasizes the importance of multiplicity,
disruption, and the role of digital media in shaping our understanding of reality.

Finally, the idea of post-truth modernism has been explored, which suggests that the
postmodern critique of truth and objectivity has led to a situation where truth is no
longer seen as a fixed or objective concept, but rather as something that is constantly
being redefined and reinterpreted[5]. This perspective is associated with the work of
thinkers such as Richard Rorty, who has argued that truth is always context-dependent
and that our understanding of the world is shaped by our cultural and historical
circumstances.

In summary, postmodernism is a complex and multifaceted intellectual movement that

challenges traditional notions of truth, identity, and reality. It has had a significant
impact on a wide range of fields, including literature, philosophy, and art, and continues
to shape our understanding of the world today.

Citations:

[1]
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/afe8150a2b139eee349172a2fa5ffe43c684629b
Pawar, N.B. (2011). Post Modernism and English Literature: What is Post Modernism?

[2]
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/64e5b5aea324d7b692a53dfe81ebaa1318aed3d
1 Post-Modernism. (1997). Computer Music Journal, 21(1), 10–10.
https://doi.org/10.2307/3681206

[3]
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/aeaa2382ba68a5fc585b126b22be6e5d5ff288ac
Asrawijaya, E. (2022). Religious life in Indonesia in the Study of Post-Modernism. Khazanah Theologia.

[4]
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/67888dee467a4e8c630a50dbbb908e9a362899a
2 Wilson, S. (2016). What is post neo modernism?: Absolute, multiplicity, post-truth, disruption.

[5]
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/d4f55cb5dc2dda8de2f4cbbe41038028163c2ff5
Fuller, S. (2023). Rorty Reframed: Prolegomena to a Post-truth Modernism. Common Knowledge, 29, 101 - 86.

Lin, Jason Cong. (2020). Understanding Cultural Diversity and Diverse Identities. 10.1007/978-3-319-
69902-8_37-1.