Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

Cultural pluralism refers to the affirmation of cultural diversity in all its forms in a society This concept expresses the central idea that “persons and groups having plural, varied and dynamic cultural identities should live together in harmonious interaction and proper accord” (UNESCO, 2006). Cultural pluralism is distinct from cultural diversity in that the latter refers only to the representation of peoples of different cultures residing in the same locale. Whereas cultural pluralism is an idealized goal, the latter is a stated fact. Cultural pluralism frees people to practice their way of life without undue pressure to assimilate into a majority culture, or to suffer significant loss of their culture. The conversation on psychology's role in the advancement of cultural pluralism has been multivocal and multifaceted. Historically, psychologists have explored how to increase the representation of ethnic minority psychologists, to include cultural considerations in psychological theory, to improve therapeutic interventions with culturally diverse clients, and to facilitate inclusiveness in the general public. More recent attention to cultural issues in psychology has been focused on developing guidelines for cultural competence, understanding processes associated with the development of various cultural identities (race, ethnicity sexual orientation, gender), and identifying ... log in or subscribe to read full text