Cultural diversity — which refers to the variety of cultures and ethnicities that exist within a society or community and encompasses different languages, traditions, beliefs and values — definitely plays a very significant role in the development of individuals, societies and nations by fostering the exchange of different views and ideas, exposing individuals to the different ways of thinking and providing economic, cultural and other opportunities and promotes peace by promoting mutual understanding, respect, cooperation and tolerance among different communities and countries in the world. But there is a lack of cultural diversity in many communities and countries that hinders inclusive development and increases the chance of social tensions and conflicts in different countries, leading to concerns in different countries.
It is notable that there are legal, policy based and other steps to promote cultural diversity. Different countries implement inclusive laws, policies and programs aiming to provide cultural diversity and preserve diverse cultural traditions and values. Additionally, many governments have put emphasis on encouraging cross-cultural exchanges and collaborations to foster the understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity among different communities and countries. But there is a lack of strict implementation of cultural diversity oriented laws and policies in different countries and, additionally, there are various factors that hinder the diversity of cultures in many countries and communities in the world. The forced imposition of dominant cultures, ethnocentrism (the belief that holds that one’s own culture is superior to others), social discrimination and prejudice, which exclude certain cultural groups, hinder their ability to preserve and express their cultural practices and diverse views and reduce the acceptance of cultural diversity, are some of the crucial causes.
Additionally, unequal access to resources and opportunities, economic inequalities based on cultural background and dominance-based power further impede the promotion of cultural diversity. The lack of access to resources based on cultural backgrounds leads to the marginalization and exclusion of certain cultural groups in economic and other terms, further hindering the preservation and promotion of cultural diversity in many countries. Among others, a lack of representation in leadership positions and a lack of awareness of cultural diversity put challenges to cultural diversity. In many countries in Asia, South America and other regions, according to multiple sources, the lack of representation in leadership positions — in which decision-making power often rests in the hands of the individuals of certain groups — limits the perspectives and experiences that shape policies and decisions.
Cultural diversity definitely needs to be promoted in different countries. Representation in leadership positions can help make cultural diversity oriented laws and policies. In different countries including Canada, the United Kingdom and Singapore, the representation of diverse groups in leadership positions has helped make laws and policies that support multiculturalism and promote cultural diversity. It is imperative to promote the diversity of views or ideas, which may also provide solutions to diverse complex problems and challenges in different communities and countries around the world. Among others, encouraging multicultural events and celebrations, fostering intercultural dialogue and understanding and supporting diverse cultural expressions, along with promoting cultural exchange programs, can contribute to cultural diversity.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
