What is Cultural Diversity?
Cultural diversity is the variety of cultures that exist in humanity, which are distinguished from each other through a set of expressions that are their own.
The concept of cultural diversity also acts as a principle of tolerance between ethnicities, languages, religions, values, worldviews, etc. That is, an openness to contact between cultures without any of them exercising superiority over the other.
Cultural diversity is a consequence of historical, political, social and economic processes that have stimulated different adaptation responses by people. These processes become more complex when encounters between cultures occur, which always entails some type of transformation.
UNESCO promoted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in 2001, which expands the possibility of creating national and international cultural policies in this matter. Likewise, it established May 21 as World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
Nowadays, cultural diversity is a reality that is easy to verify in most societies due to the effect of globalization.
However, it is true that in some countries it is expressed in a more obvious way, such as:
In Latin Americawhere Spanish-speaking urban cultures (which are dominant and marked by Westernization) coexist alongside 522 indigenous peoples of different languages.
In Indiawhere there are 22 legally recognized native languages, which together with the non-official languages total 415. Likewise, a great religious diversity is recorded: Hinduism (dominant religion), Islam and Christianity.
In China 235 different languages are spoken, which represents the same number of different cultures coexisting in the national territory.
See also 7 examples that cultural diversity is great.
Importance of cultural diversity
Cultural diversity is recognized by UNESCO as a source of “exchanges, innovation and creativity” that allows the development of society as a whole. Therefore, the difference acquires a positive assessment, and opposes the pretensions of establishing homogeneous societies.
Today, the importance of cultural diversity and its recognition has been demonstrated as:
constitutes a heritage value of humanity; promotes cultural pluralism; is a source of creativity; stimulates development; is protected by human rights; is a cultural right; allows different cultures to be accessible to all; promotes the integration of the public sector , the private sector and civil society in matters of cultural policies.
Therefore, the importance of cultural diversity as a principle lies in the fact that it fosters respect for Otherness. This facilitates the exchange of knowledge and values, such as tolerance, understanding and coexistence between cultures.
Elements of cultural diversity
Cultural diversity is expressed in all the elements that allow each culture to be characterized in a specific way. Likewise, it is perceived from the moment in which different cultures are aware of each other.
Thus, cultural diversity is expressed in elements such as:
The language and dialectsThe religionThe value systemThe gastronomyLiterature (oral or written)Clothing and footwearMusicThe plastic artsThe dances and dancesThe aesthetic senseBody expressionThe sexuality UtensilsArchitectureSportGamesPartiesPolitical orderEconomic orderSocial organizationDistribution of work
Examples of Cultural Diversity
Holidays and traditions
They show how different cultures celebrate and commemorate important events in different ways. For example, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival in Brazil, Diwali in India, or the Day of the Dead in Mexico.
Gastronomy
Cultural diversity is reflected in the food and typical dishes of each region, in the wide variety of flavors and culinary styles. From Mexican mole to Greek moussaka, through pad thai, typical in Thailand, or tajine, so popular in Morocco.
Architecture and cultural heritage
This category is made up of the multiple architectural styles and historical monuments present in different regions and cultures. For example, the torii arches of Japan, the sanctuaries of Ancient Greece or the pre-Hispanic city of Uxmal, in Mexico.
Music and dance
Both are artistic and cultural manifestations that have a profound influence on the identity of people, which has given rise to an incredible variety of styles and genres in different parts of the planet. Its objective is to transmit values, emotions, stories or traditions specific to each community.
Indian classical music, for example, is a spiritually significant musical expression. On the other hand, the hakatraditional to the Maori people of New Zealand, is a powerful ceremonial dance intended to intimidate enemies and honor leaders and ancestors.
Locker room
Cultural diversity is also manifested in the way people dress and the fashion styles that prevail in each culture. Some typical costumes from different countries represent the cultural identity and traditions of each group.
Religious and spiritual beliefs
Cultural diversity also lies in the different religious practices that are present in different cultures. Some examples, such as Christianity, Islam or Buddhism, are very popular practices that coexist with many others and contribute to the spiritual wealth of humanity.
Cultural diversity and interculturality
Cultural diversity and interculturality are closely related concepts, but they are not equivalent. Cultural diversity refers to the coexistence of different cultural expressions, their legitimacy, their dignity and highlights the importance of preserving and respecting them.
Interculturality, on the other hand, refers to the process by which clearly differentiated cultures that share a territory carry out cultural exchanges with each other. That is, it is the interaction, dialogue and mutual learning between different cultures. Promotes respect, tolerance and equitable exchange between cultures, avoiding the imposition of one culture on another.
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