The Complex Relationship Between Multiculturalism and...

The Complex Relationship Between Multiculturalism and Feminism These days, it seems that multiculturalism is generally an assumed good. Increased acknowledgement of diversity and cultural sensitivity seem to be steps toward leveling the playing field for all human beings. And that is the goal of much scholarship and activism, right--to secure and ensure human rights across the board? That is one of global feminism’s aims, so it would seem that multiculturalism would help, not hinder, feminist work to better the situation of women. That is not necessarily the case. It may be helpful to first clarify what is meant by both feminism and multiculturalism. Though it is difficult to definitively state what is meant by these complex†¦show more content†¦There are many problems inherent in deciding which elements of a culture are to be legitimated by privileged protection. As Westerners, one limitation we have is our tendency to judge other cultural systems by our own standards, which are the only ones that we know. For example, if I choose to examine the aspects of another culture, my viewpoint can only be that of an American-born, English-speaking individual who has known no other system than liberal democracy. The language I speak, the governmental systems I am subject to, the values and mores of my region, and the influence of my family, among other factors, shape and have shaped my thinking process and my world view. Even if I were to move to another culture and assimilate, that would not change the fact that I was brought up a nativ e Westerner. I am not saying that my philosophical outlook would not change, because it invariably would; however, my thinking process would probably never be like that of a native member of that culture. Finding a way to understand a culture’s structure from without and at the same time judge it by its own internal standards is no easy task, but is necessary if the efforts of multiculturalism are to be more than tokenism. One of the problems that feminists see in multiculturalism is the fact that group rights or privileges often empower the patriarchal cultural systems that oppress women. Susan Moller Okin uses the ancient Greek and Roman heritage, andShow MoreRelatedWhile at first blush the protection of cultural diversity seems like a worthy cause to support for1500 Words   |  6 Pagesmuch deeper implications than the prima facie faà §ade multiculturalism suggests. Instead, there is a â€Å"deep and growing tension† (Okin,1999; p10) between the ideals of feminism and those concerned with the protection of cultural rights. This tension is exacerbated when the protection of those rights safeguards the continuation of practices such as female genital cutting (FGC) in the name of ‘culture’ and ‘tradition.’ Every culture is dynamic, complex, and rich in its own ways. However when cultures comeRead MoreMarxism, Feminism And The Works Of Max Weber1584 Words   |  7 PagesThe following essay is an attempt to explain and evaluate Marxism, Feminism and the works of Max Weber. I will also attempt to relate each of these different sociological explanations to contemporary society. According to Karl Marx (1818-1883) all the struggles of all societies throughout history are due to confrontations of power and exploitation. Marx believed that all societies had divisions of class and therefore inequality as a result of capitalism. 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Even a simple examination of two student-written articles on the Sakren case illustrates the deep divide between academically minded people. While a University of Arizona undergraduate described Sakren as determined to fight back against this currentRead MoreExample Research: Critical Discourse Analysis9514 Words   |  39 Pagesthe possibility of a value-free science, they argue that science, and especially scholarly discourse, are inherently part of and influenced by social structure, and produced in social interaction. Instead of denying or ignoring such a relation between scholarship and society, they plead that such relations be studied and accounted for in their own right, and that scholarly practices Critical Discourse Analysis 353 be based on such insights. Theory formation, description, and explanation, alsoRead MoreInfluence Of Western Customs Of Wedding Essay9329 Words   |  38 Pagesor occasions. In this study it refers to Muslim marriage ceremony. Customs: It refers to the arts, culture, habits, beliefs, values, behavior and material appreciation that constitute a people’s way of life. Marriage: It refers to the legal relationship between a husband and wife. Muslim: It refers to the follower of the Islamic religion. Wedding: It refers to a marriage ceremony and the party that usually follows it. In this study it means traditions and practices that relate to wedding ceremoniesRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pagesof the world’s human population for the first time in history. 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