Examining Theories of Multiculturalism
Examining Theories of Multiculturalism
Nathan Hillard Spicer IV
CUR /518
July 6, 2015
Melanie Latin
Examining Theories of Multiculturalism
The inclusion of cultures throughout the global society is a reflection of the change towards a diverse environment. In the workforce many individuals share workspaces with individuals with different cultural beliefs and values. The design of core aspects of society including workforce environments and educational systems are reflective of the increased diversity throughout many aspects of daily life. There are many theories related to multiculturalism and its influence on aspects such as inclusion and policy-making for adult learners. Examining different theories on multiculturalism will help identify the ways persons view diversity and how they respond to changes in social environments. Comparing and contrasting the following theories, Realistic Conflict Theory, Equity Theory, and Social Identity Theory, will help provide additional insight on the influence of a multicultural society and its members. In addition, the review will provide examples how power, oppression, knowledge, or truth supports the views of each multicultural theory. After consideration of this material, it will be easier to identify the application of diversity in society and opportunity for improvement.
Reality Conflict Theory
The effectiveness of cultures in a work environment or other aspects of society varies according to their perspective on diversity. A theory attempts to explain the obstacles that diverse groups experience is the Realistic Conflict Theory. The theory explains that people act in their own self-interest or the interest of their cultural group which creates conflict with other groups (Mor Barak, 2014). In a work environment or other aspects of society the availability of resources can have a large influence on multicultural relationships. Brief et al. (2005) expressed the reduction of productivity and inclusion according to this theory because of the conflict among races for scarce resources such as monetary and political. In educational and employment environments adult learners are taught to respect diversity and encourage participants to engage in diverse workgroups. Companies establish guidelines that attempt to prevent leadership form preventing diversity in leadership and other aspects of their operations. However, Realistic Conflict Theory exists in many environments where persons feel that other cultures are a threat to their personal achievement and success. The persons in power usually control the flow of knowledge and opportunities that are available to employees and students. Adult learners often seek out educational opportunities to advance their skill and earning potential. In diverse environments, persons can often apply the Realistic Conflict Theory to the reason why certain cultural groups receive promotions. Individuals from cultural groups that are not receiving opportunities feel oppressed and limited in their ability to have similar opportunities. The conflict that occurs because of this theory is common and requires discipline form participants and leadership to adjust the views of others.
Equity Theory
The examination of multicultural relationships can apply to the theory of equity. The four propositions of equity theory include people attempt to maximize outcomes, people in groups maximize collective reward, people in inequitable relationships become distressed, and people attempt to restore equity through elimination of distress (Roeckelein, 2006). Multicultural relationships often are difficult to develop because of the different perspectives people have on other groups. The Equity Theory explains that individuals that feel they are mistreated or that are not receiving their fair value become distressed and take action to regain their equity. In an adult learning environment these individuals may cheat on exams, or cause academic or professional harm as a way to compensate for their inequities. In college and higher level education adult learners operate within established boundaries that attempt to provide recompense for specific cultures that in the past were not given fair value. The knowledge of inequities is common in workplaces and often causes dissention among team members and results in a negative experience for clients. The truth of these inequities is often hidden from public consumption which attempts to discredit individuals that attempt to restore their inequities through negative methods. Inclusion of other cultures is often not welcomed with the Equity theory because of the constant conflict over fairness and equal benefits. However, if the perception of equality was changed and individuals felt they were receiving a fair value for their contributions, then it would be an increased likelihood of productivity among multicultural members.
Social Identity Theory
An additional theory that attempts to examine the challenges and success with multicultural experiences in adult education is Social Identity Theory. The theory explains that many people view themselves as part of a group rather than as unique individuals (Mor Barak, 2014). The self-identification with a group rather than as a unique individual can often discourage inclusion in a diverse society. Individuals are more likely to embrace cultures and persons that they view as equal or match with the identity of their group. In a multicultural society adult learners may find support form persons who have similar identities or relationships with groups of similar characteristics. This is common in educational settings where students often gravitate towards individuals and groups that reflect their personal reflection. The government and educational institutions attempt to protect individuals form stereotyping and discrimination. Students and workforce groups operate similarly when interacting with others. They usually oppose their will and opinions on others or isolate them from resources when they view them as less worthy then their group. The Social Identity Theory is a concept that communicates the challenges individuals experience in a multicultural society that continually categorizes individuals in groups rather than embracing the uniqueness of each person. The application of this theory in society further perpetuates the conflicts that exist between culture lines and challenges the acceptance of diversity.
Conclusion
The theories that examine the relationship among member of a multicultural society provide various views on the inclusion, policies, and diversity. An educational atmosphere for adult learners is different than adolescence. Adult learners have more influence on their learning experience in a work or educational environment. However, the growth of a diverse society presents creative new challenges because of the various theories that promote conflict and separation of cultural groups. The Reality Conflict Theory expresses the conflict that occurs between individuals from different cultural groups because of the desire to focus on self-interest. Although it may benefit others to acquire knowledge from other cultures and promote diversity, individuals seek to first fulfill the needs of self before embracing the needs of others. Another theory that encourages disdain among multicultural groups is the Equity Theory. Many social groups feel that others have better circumstances so they take steps to balance the equity. In an education environment this may include the reduction of information flow between groups because they prefer to benefit the category they align. Social Identity Theory is another example of how individuals identify as members of a group rather than as a unique individual. The formation of culturally defined groups forces policy makers to address inequities and attempt to bridge the gaps between social groups. The inclusion of multicultural groups in society requires a break from the mold of many theories that examine society. Acquiring knowledge of other social groups and working together to establish equality is a method resolving challenges with diversity and encouraging productivity in society.
References
Brief, A. P., Umphress, E. E., Dietz, J., Butz, R. M., Burrows, J., & Scholten, L. (2005). Community Matters: Realistic Group Conflict Theory and The impact of Diversity. Academy Of Management Journal, 48(5), 830-844. doi:10.5465/AMJ.2005.18803925
Equity theory. (2006). In J. Roeckelein (Ed.), Elsevier's dictionary of psychological theories. Oxford, United Kingdom: Elsevier Science & Technology. Retrieved from
Mor Barak, M.E. (2014). Managing Diversity: toward a globally inclusive workplace (3rd ed.). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.
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