Interculturalism facts for kids

Interculturalism is about different cultures sharing ideas and learning from each other in one place. It's like when people from various backgrounds come together and get to know each other's traditions, beliefs, and ways of life.

Many countries have special plans, called policies, to help people from different backgrounds get to know each other. These plans often aim to stop unfair treatment or racism.

To have interculturalism, people need to be open to learning about other cultures. When you learn something new from another culture, it starts a conversation. Everyone tries to understand each other's ways, often by comparing them. So, interculturalism helps people talk and find things that are similar between cultures. It tries to bring cultures closer, so they can mix and blend. The differences that remain make up the unique parts of the world's cultures.

Interculturalism vs. Multiculturalism

It's helpful to understand the difference between interculturalism and multiculturalism. Both ideas deal with many cultures living in one country, but they have different goals.

What is Multiculturalism?

Multiculturalism is the idea that all cultures and ways of life are equally valuable. It suggests that every culture should be treated and promoted equally within the same country. In a multicultural society, different cultural groups might live side-by-side, keeping their own traditions and customs. The focus is often on celebrating diversity and making sure all cultures are respected.

What is Interculturalism?

Interculturalism is a different approach. It doesn't necessarily say that all cultures have the same value when it comes to organizing a society. Instead, its main goal is to help create a common culture for everyone. This common culture is often built on shared ideas like freedom, liberty, and human rights, which often come from Western civilization.

While building this common culture, interculturalism still encourages people from different communities to interact and learn from each other. It's about finding common ground and building bridges between groups, rather than just having them exist separately.

For example, a multicultural approach might celebrate different holidays from various cultures. An intercultural approach might encourage people from different backgrounds to celebrate a shared national holiday together, while also sharing aspects of their own cultural celebrations.

Why is Interculturalism Important?

Interculturalism helps people understand and respect each other better. When people from different cultures talk and learn together, it can:

• Reduce misunderstandings and conflicts.
• Help people find common values and goals.
• Create a stronger, more united society.
• Encourage new ideas and creativity as different perspectives come together.

It's about building a society where people from all backgrounds feel like they belong and can contribute, while also learning from the rich diversity around them.

See also

In Spanish: Interculturalismo para niños