Cultural Pluralism in Literature & Literary Theory

Cultural Pluralism: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept

Etymology/Term:

Cultural pluralism, derived from the Latin word “pluralis,” meaning multiple, and “cultura,” referring to cultivation or culture, is a term that signifies the coexistence and mutual respect of diverse cultural groups within a larger society. The concept emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the challenges posed by cultural diversity, promoting the idea that different cultural identities could thrive together without assimilation.

Meanings and Concept:

• Coexistence of Cultures: Cultural pluralism emphasizes the peaceful coexistence of various cultural groups, each maintaining its distinct identity and practices within a broader societal framework.
• Mutual Respect and Understanding: The concept encourages mutual respect and understanding among diverse communities, fostering dialogue and cooperation rather than promoting a hierarchy of cultures.
• Social Integration without Assimilation: Cultural pluralism rejects the idea of assimilation, advocating for social integration that respects and values the unique contributions of each cultural group without forcing conformity.
• Preservation of Cultural Identity: It underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating the cultural identities, languages, traditions, and customs of different groups, recognizing them as enriching elements of a heterogeneous society.
• Equal Participation in Public Life: Cultural pluralism promotes the equal participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds in the public sphere, ensuring that policies and institutions reflect the interests and perspectives of all cultural communities.

Cultural pluralism serves as a guiding principle for creating inclusive and harmonious societies that recognize and appreciate the diversity of their members.

Cultural Pluralism: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Cultural pluralism is a theoretical concept advocating for the coexistence of diverse cultural groups within a unified society. It emphasizes mutual respect, understanding, and equal participation among different communities, rejecting the assimilation of minority cultures into a dominant mainstream. The framework of cultural pluralism encourages the preservation of distinct cultural identities while fostering social integration and cooperation.

Cultural Pluralism: Theorists, Works and Argument

Theorist	Works	Arguments
Horace Kallen	“Cultural Pluralism”	– Kallen proposed the idea of cultural pluralism as an alternative to the melting pot model, advocating for the maintenance of diverse cultural identities.
Alfred Kroeber	“Anthropology”	– Kroeber’s anthropological studies contributed to the understanding of cultural diversity and its importance in shaping societies.
Robert Park	“Human Migration and the Marginal Man”	– Park examined the concept of the “marginal man” and argued for the acceptance of cultural diversity in urban settings, fostering a pluralistic social environment.
Horne, Maceo Crenshaw	“Mau Mau in Harlem? The U.S. and the Liberation of Kenya”	– Explores cultural pluralism in the context of African-American identity and its connection to global liberation movements.
Will Kymlicka	“Multicultural Citizenship: A Liberal Theory of Minority Rights”	– Kymlicka discusses cultural pluralism within the framework of liberal democracy, emphasizing the need for minority rights and cultural recognition.
Ishmael Reed	“Multi-America: Essays on Cultural Wars and Cultural Peace”	– Reed’s essays delve into the complexities of cultural pluralism in America, highlighting the ongoing cultural wars and the potential for cultural coexistence.

Cultural Pluralism: Major Characteristics

Coexistence of Diverse Cultures:

• Cultural pluralism emphasizes the peaceful coexistence of various cultural groups within a larger societal framework, allowing each to maintain its distinct identity without assimilation.

Mutual Respect and Understanding:

• The concept encourages mutual respect and understanding among diverse communities, fostering open dialogue and cooperation rather than promoting a hierarchy of cultures.

Preservation of Cultural Identity:

• Cultural pluralism underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating the unique cultural identities, languages, traditions, and customs of different groups within a heterogeneous society.

Social Integration without Assimilation:

• Rejecting the idea of assimilation, cultural pluralism advocates for social integration that respects and values the unique contributions of each cultural group, promoting unity through diversity.

Equal Participation in Public Life:

• Cultural pluralism promotes the equal participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds in the public sphere, ensuring that policies and institutions reflect the interests and perspectives of all cultural communities.

Inclusive and Harmonious Societies:

• Serving as a guiding principle, cultural pluralistic view aims to create inclusive and harmonious societies that recognize and appreciate the richness of cultural diversity among their members.

Cultural Pluralism: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance to Cultural Pluralism
Postcolonialism	Cultural pluralistic view is pertinent in postcolonial literature, addressing the complexities of diverse cultural identities in the aftermath of colonial rule.
Feminist Literary Criticism	In feminist literary criticism, cultural pluralistic view plays a role in understanding and celebrating the diverse experiences and voices of women within different cultural contexts.
Postmodernism	Cultural pluralism aligns with postmodern ideals by acknowledging and embracing the multiplicity of cultural narratives, challenging grand narratives and universal truths.
Cultural Studies	Cultural pluralism is a central theme in cultural studies, exploring how diverse cultures interact and coexist within broader social structures, shaping literature and identity.
Historical Materialism	In historical materialism, cultural pluralistic view is examined within the context of class struggles and societal changes, highlighting the role of diverse cultures in shaping history.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Psychoanalytic literary criticism may explore how cultural pluralistic view influences individual and collective identities, examining the psyche’s response to diverse cultural experiences.
Critical Race Theory	Cultural pluralistic view is integral to critical race theory, examining how various racial and ethnic identities coexist and interact within social and literary contexts.
Ecocriticism	In ecocritical perspectives, cultural pluralistic view can be explored concerning diverse cultural attitudes towards the environment, shaping narratives that reflect varied ecological perspectives.
Narratology	Cultural pluralistic view intersects with narratology, influencing how diverse cultural narratives are constructed and how storytelling reflects the coexistence of different cultural perspectives.
Globalization Studies	Cultural pluralistic view is relevant in globalization studies, exploring how literature represents the interplay of global and local cultures, contributing to the complex mosaic of cultural identities.

Cultural Pluralism: Application in Critiques

1. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan:
   • Application: Cultural pluralistic view is evident as the novel explores the intersection of Chinese and American cultures among immigrant families. Tan presents a nuanced portrayal of how cultural pluralism shapes the identities of characters, highlighting the coexistence of diverse cultural backgrounds within a larger society.
2. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy:
   • Application: Roy’s novel captures the essence of cultural pluralistic view by delving into the lives of characters in post-colonial India. The narrative reflects the intricate layers of Indian society, showcasing how different social, caste, and cultural identities coexist and clash.
3. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri:
   • Application: Cultural pluralistic view is explored as Lahiri delves into the experiences of an Indian-American protagonist. The novel examines the challenges and richness of navigating between two cultures, illustrating how cultural pluralism shapes the protagonist’s identity and relationships.
4. Beloved by Toni Morrison:
   • Application: Morrison’s novel explores cultural pluralistic view within the context of African-American history and the trauma of slavery. The characters grapple with their individual and collective identities, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the complexities of cultural pluralism in the aftermath of oppression.

In these critiques, cultural pluralistic view serves as a lens to analyze how each work represents the coexistence, interaction, and impact of diverse cultural identities within the narrative. It allows for an exploration of how literature can both reflect and contribute to the understanding of cultural pluralism.

Cultural Pluralism: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Multiculturalism	Recognition and promotion of multiple cultural identities.
Inclusivism	Advocacy for inclusive policies and practices in society.
Interculturalism	Emphasis on interactions and mutual understanding between cultures.
Cultural Relativism	Recognition that cultural values and practices are relative and should be understood within their context.
Ethnic Pluralism	Coexistence of various ethnic groups within a society.
Cultural Diversity	Presence of a variety of cultural expressions within a community.
Global Pluralism	Recognition of diverse cultural perspectives on a global scale.
Cosmopolitanism	Embracing a worldview that values cultural diversity and global interconnectedness.
Polycentrism	Acknowledgment of multiple centers of cultural influence.
Cultural Hybridity	Blending and mixing of cultural elements to create new, hybrid forms.

Cultural Pluralism: Suggested Readings

1. Anzaldúa, Gloria. Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza. Aunt Lute Books, 1987.
2. Appiah, Kwame Anthony. Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers. W.W. Norton & Company, 2006.
3. hooks, bell. Outlaw Culture: Resisting Representations. Routledge, 1994.
4. Huntington, Samuel P. The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order. Simon & Schuster, 1996.
5. Kymlicka, Will. Multicultural Citizenship: A Liberal Theory of Minority Rights. Oxford University Press, 1995.
6. Nussbaum, Martha C. The Clash Within: Democracy, Religious Violence, and India’s Future. Harvard University Press, 2007.
7. Parekh, Bhikhu. Rethinking Multiculturalism: Cultural Diversity and Political Theory. Harvard University Press, 2000.
8. Tariq, Modood. Multiculturalism: A Civic Idea. Polity Press, 2007.
9. Taylor, Charles. The Ethics of Authenticity. Harvard University Press, 1991.
10. Young, Iris Marion. Justice and the Politics of Difference. Princeton University Press, 1990.