Multiculturalism: Politics of Difference, Education and Philosophy for Children

Abstract

Introduction:  In recent years, Multiculturalism has entered the arena of social debate. From public policy proposals to curriculum innovations, the United States is struggling to define and model a multiculturalist stance that is faithful to our form of liberal democracy and that can assist citizens in flourishing as human beings within our society. Within education, multiculturalism functions as both pedagogical method and curricular innovation. From elementary through collegiate programs, educators are urged to include multiculturalism, take a multicultural perspective and ‘celebrate diversity.’ Clashes occur within the political and educational arenas as we try to sort out the meanings and implications of multiculturalism. At the heart of the debate are the conflicting interpretations of this concept that short circuit the discourse among the supporters of multiculturalism. This paper will explore the varying concepts of ‘multiculturalism’ that function to govern education today. We will discover that there are a number of quite different viewpoints as to the nature and function of diversity in a classroom and society at large.