Why is multiculturalism good?

Author(s): Richardson, F. C.

Journal/Book: Amer Psychol. 1996; 51: 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Amer Psychological Assoc. 609-621.

Abstract: This article explores the moral sources that give multi-culturalism the potency to move psychology to reassess itself The power of the multicultural perspective appears to derive from its ability to show how psychology's tendency toward monocultural universalism has undermined its aims as a science of human behavior and a promoter of human welfare. The multicultural critique le also draws on Euro-American moral traditions and ideals, such as individual rights, authenticity, respect, and tolerance. In spite of the importance of these ideals, multiculturalists often criticize Euro-American culture without acknowledging their debt to it. Moreover, these particularist moral sources undercut multiculturalism's universalist appeal. There is a paradoxical tendency among some advocates of multiculturalism to encourage cultural separatism and an inarticulateness in dealing with intercultural value conflict. We present some recommendations for dealing with these dilemmas from philosophical hermeneutics, including the contextualization of multiculturalism, an approach to sifting and evaluating cultural values, and an ontological account of the dialogical nature of humans.

Note: Article BJ Fowers, Univ Miami, Dept Educ & Psychol Studies, POB 248065, Coral Gables, FL 33124 USA

Keyword(s): PSYCHOLOGY; CULTURE

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