Cultural pluralism is a system where there is a full participation of the minority groups in a society that is not active in the issues that lead to society building. As per the participation of the minority groups, those involved are able to maintain their ethnic differences in their cultures. When it comes to pluralism, it is termed as a society where interaction occurs without any conflict or wrangles, despite the difference in the culture, ethnicity and religion of the minority. This is where those involved, minority in this case, are stimulated to stick to their culture. Cultural pluralism can, therefore, be encouraged by the participation of the minor cultures since the recent societies are made up of people of different nations that come together, unite and form a society that does not consider culture, ethnicity or religion (Young, 2009, p. 56).
When a society considers diversity in culture through respecting an appreciating the contribution of the minority groups, cultural pluralism is, therefore, practiced. Such a society, therefore, has positive views and can be of great advantage to the nation because it enhances peace and harmony in the society building. However, a society that practices cultural pluralism will surely face challenges among the minority ethnic groups. This is a challenge that causes imbalance between the diverse cultures and the need for unity and peace in the society. In that case, a society with such a challenge should adopt the practice of enriching the culture where the development arises from recognition of the minority beliefs, sharing ideas and being loyal to their culture. The adoption of this orientation is to give respect and honor to the diverse cultures in the society, thus, enabling the minority involved to remain loyal to their cultures. This enhances unity and, therefore, peace within a society and the nation as a whole. Another adoption to conquer the challenge is achieved when the minorities are committed to those values, ideas, beliefs and principles that are shared in the culture. This helps in bringing unity within the society through avoidance of conflicts, and it also ensures that identity among the society members will be maintained (Deveaux, 2000, p. 40).
When we look at a pluralistic society that is stable in this case, we find that their view on cultural diversity is positive. According to the citizens of such a society, their view on cultural diversity is of a benefit to them because it is not an item of threat. This is evident when there is an appreciation of their views, customs and decisions that arise from diverse culture. These citizens are not subject to fear of being involved in different traditions with different opinions, and this enhances peace and harmony in the society. Society that is proud of the cultural diversity motivates its citizens to work in unity aiming at maintaining the strength of that society and demolishing the signs of any weakness and thus enhancing a society building (Sarat & Kearns, 2003, p..32).
Cultural pluralism can be seen at the practical level; however, equality between men and women has been achieved in the western society. But, on the other hand, it is not adhered in the Islamic culture and, therefore, results in gender inequality. Adoption of western culture has, therefore, led to the abolishment of certain cultural practices and beliefs that include mistreating women and denying them their rights. When we view cultural pluralism in a philosophical level, for instance, culture should become a belief to everybody in such a society (Young, 2009, p. 46).
Since many societies are made up of diverse cultures, a positive view of the diversity and pluralism in culture among the citizens is of a great advantage to society. Racism among the ethnic tribes, discrimination of race and gender inequality lead to hatred, violence, prejudice and persecution among the diverse groups,. All these will result in conflicts which may violate the individual rights in the society. However, conflicts are common in a society of diverse cultural practices; they are brought about by lack of communication and unwillingness to take into consideration different opinions of the citizens, and also when there is no acceptance of different culture and beliefs (Brooks, 2002, p. 60).
In order to avoid negative perceptions and distrustful behaviors that may occur in societies that do not accept equality in cultural diversity, the citizens should adhere to the various steps to minimize misunderstanding. The citizens should accept their prejudices and embrace the difference in their culture rather than despise one another’s culture. This will promote peace and, therefore, understanding will arise among the citizens. The citizens should also come together as one and try to identify common interests and beliefs if their motives are also common. By doing so, the citizens will unite to achieve the common goals resulting from the common interests and beliefs. This will contribute to peace and unity among the citizens, and thus a strong nation arises. At times, faliure to do this is a major contributor to the conflicts among the societies because everyone would have contradictive opinions as a result of diversity in culture. Therefore, when there is an open communication where citizens share their opinions, then peace shall prevail due to understanding. The last aspect of minimizing conflict is when there is respect of individual rights; this will enable an individual in the society to live in peace without interference of their culture, religion and tradition (Brooks, 2002, p. 70).
When it comes to communication in the workplace, due to the difference in culture, we find that some words and expressions have different meanings. Therefore, there are essential aspects when employees use a language that is not culturally biased since the workplace is full of people from different cultures. This will enhance communication and thus understanding in the organization which contribute to ability to make decisions and finally achieve the goals of the company. An example of cultural pluralism may be seen when comparing people from different cultures, for example, a person from Netherlands who believes that argument is a part of problem solution and someone in Japan who believes that argueing in public is a great disgrace. In this case, both cannot solve a problem as a result of difference in culture (Toffolo, 2003, p. 34).
Communication in international trade was characterized by managers developing a unique way of communicating with customers. However, with the changing means of communication and the rising level of interaction within diverse cultures, business managers have taken into consideration cultural difference of their business partners. Therefore, to enable better communication globally, verbal communication as well as use of body language should be of great importance in the global business (Toffolo, 2003, p. 40). Therefore, it is a necessity and requirement for the nations to embrace the diversity in culture in order to reduce the occurrence of conflicts, thus promoting peace and understanding among the citizens. A nation that stands is made up of different cultures who join hands together and work for the goals stipulated (Amselle & Todd, 2003, p. 38).
References
Amselle, J.-L. & Todd, J.M. (2003). Affirmative Exclusion: Cultural Pluralism and the Rule of Custom in France. NJ: Cornell University press.
Brooks, S. (2002). The challenge of cultural pluralism. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group.
Deveaux, M. (2000). Cultural pluralism and dilemmas of justice. New Jersey: Cornell University.
Sarat, A, & Kearns, T. R. (2001). Cultural pluralism, identity politics, and the law. Michigan: University of Michigan Press.
Toffolo, C. E. (2003). Emancipating cultural pluralism. New York: Suny press.
Young, C. (2009). The politics of cultural pluralism. Wisconsin: Univesity of Wisconsin Press.