Migration is not a temporary fashion. For thousands of years people have left their
native country to build a new existence. But there are different reasons like economical,
societal or political factors. Most people tried to find their self-determination, but there
were stampedes due to wars or natural catastrophes, too. (cf. Karl Kübel Stiftung 2006)
Pierre Eliot Trudeau, the former Canadian prime minister, said that the power of a
country is not only about military or economy but also about liberality and openmindedness.
But after the attack of the World Trade Centre in 2001 by Islamic
terrorists, an antipathy against foreigners emerged in many countries. The fear of
different cultures in the own country pushes the care about the national engagement and
the loyalty between the population. In industrial countries migrants are often shown as a
lower-level community which wants to profit from the better social system. But it
should be noted that in most countries the migration and integration policies do not play
an important role. (cf. Heinrich Böll Stiftung 2006)
But in a slow process the picture of migrants will be changed. More and more migrants
can be found in higher positions in economy or politics. For example Philipp Rösler has
Vietnamese roots and is the leader of the German party FDP. Another very important
change will take place in the CEO position of the Deutsche Bank AG. Anshu Jain with
an Indian background will replace Josef Ackermann and so the most significant bank of
Germany will be led by a foreigner. This change causes a lifting of the community of
migrants. Migrants do not only stress the societal system of industrial countries, now
they want to replace natives in the higher society. (cf. Ljoma Mangold 2011)
These problems show that the principle of multiculturalism in industrial countries
involves a high potential for conflicts. Some industrial countries try to find political
solutions to handle the migration problem and the problem of different cultures in one
country. But it is not easy due to incompatibleness between the behaviour of different
cultures. Others are the ideas of man or social, right and financial perceptions of the
native country on the one hand and the foreign cultures on the other hand.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1. Problem statement
1.2. Objective and delimitation
2. Cultures
3. Cultural globalisation and migration
4. Multiculturalism
5. Germany's policy of multiculturalism
6. Canadian’s policy of multiculturalism
7. Conclusion of the results
8. Summary
Objectives and Topics
The thesis aims to determine whether the political principle of multiculturalism inherently involves a crisis. By examining the theoretical foundations of culture and globalization, the research analyzes how Germany and Canada have addressed multiculturalism, ultimately assessing whether a political framework of "restricted" multiculturalism can balance cultural diversity with social unity.
- The definition and development of human cultures.
- The impact of cultural globalization and migration flows.
- Comparative analysis of German integration policy versus Canadian multiculturalism.
- The evaluation of national identity and "unity-within-diversity".
- Strategic recommendations for managing multicultural societies.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1. Problem statement
Migration is not a temporary fashion. For thousands of years people have left their native country to build a new existence. But there are different reasons like economical, societal or political factors. Most people tried to find their self-determination, but there were stampedes due to wars or natural catastrophes, too. (cf. Karl Kübel Stiftung 2006)
Pierre Eliot Trudeau, the former Canadian prime minister, said that the power of a country is not only about military or economy but also about liberality and open-mindedness. But after the attack of the World Trade Centre in 2001 by Islamic terrorists, an antipathy against foreigners emerged in many countries. The fear of different cultures in the own country pushes the care about the national engagement and the loyalty between the population. In industrial countries migrants are often shown as a lower-level community which wants to profit from the better social system. But it should be noted that in most countries the migration and integration policies do not play an important role. (cf. Heinrich Böll Stiftung 2006)
But in a slow process the picture of migrants will be changed. More and more migrants can be found in higher positions in economy or politics. For example Philipp Rösler has Vietnamese roots and is the leader of the German party FDP. Another very important change will take place in the CEO position of the Deutsche Bank AG. Anshu Jain with an Indian background will replace Josef Ackermann and so the most significant bank of Germany will be led by a foreigner. This change causes a lifting of the community of migrants. Migrants do not only stress the societal system of industrial countries, now they want to replace natives in the higher society. (cf. Ljoma Mangold 2011)
Chapter Summary
1. Introduction: Outlines the historical context of migration and sets the research focus on the potential for conflict regarding multiculturalism in industrial nations.
2. Cultures: Discusses the human need for culture as a programming tool and utilizes Geert Hofstede's dimensions to explain how cultures differ.
3. Cultural globalisation and migration: Analyzes how global economics and technology lead to the formation of hybrid cultures and the complexities of managing migration flows.
4. Multiculturalism: Explores multiculturalism as a political practice, contrasting it with assimilation and highlighting the opposing views of opportunity versus risk.
5. Germany's policy of multiculturalism: Critiques the German approach, arguing that its integration-focused policy has resulted in separated cultures rather than a successful multicultural society.
6. Canadian’s policy of multiculturalism: Highlights Canada’s seven-principle model as a proactive approach to maintaining cultural diversity through "unity-within-diversity".
7. Conclusion of the results: Synthesizes the findings, suggesting that restricted multiculturalism is the most viable strategy for industrial nations to manage diversity.
8. Summary: Recapitulates the thesis's argument that while challenging, multiculturalism remains the best political solution to manage diverse societies.
Keywords
Multiculturalism, Migration, Integration, Cultural Globalization, Geert Hofstede, National Identity, Germany, Canada, Diversity, Unity-within-diversity, Politics, Assimilation, Cultural Conflict, Social Unity, Political Liberalism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental scope of this thesis?
The thesis investigates the political concept of multiculturalism and addresses the question of whether it necessarily leads to or involves a crisis within modern industrial nations.
What are the primary thematic fields addressed?
The research centers on cultural theory, the impact of globalization on society, migration dynamics, and a comparative political analysis of how different nations manage cultural diversity.
What is the primary objective of this work?
The goal is to determine if multiculturalism is a functional political practice and to evaluate if its implementation requires specific principles to avoid social collapse.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The work utilizes a qualitative approach, analyzing existing literature and political models (specifically Geert Hofstede’s cultural dimensions) to compare the disparate policies of Germany and Canada.
What is covered in the main body of the research?
The main body defines the foundational concept of "culture," examines the pressures of globalization, defines multiculturalism as a political issue, and performs a comparative study of the German and Canadian national policies.
Which keywords define this research?
The most defining keywords include multiculturalism, integration, cultural globalization, national identity, and the principle of unity-within-diversity.
How does the author characterize the German approach to multiculturalism?
The author argues that Germany follows a policy of integration rather than true multiculturalism, which creates pressure on foreigners to conform and leads to separated cultural groups.
What distinguishes the Canadian model from the German one?
Canada employs an active political management style with seven core principles, prioritizing "unity-within-diversity" to maintain national cohesion while respecting distinct cultural identities.
Does the author conclude that multiculturalism involves a crisis?
The author concludes that while multiculturalism presents significant challenges, it is the best available political method to manage diversity, provided it is balanced with social unity and basic core values.
- Quote paper
- Christoph Weigel (Author), 2012, Multiculturalism - Is there a crisis?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/187297
