Diversity Ideological Perspectives

The Melting Pot

Migration and multiculturalism are the two core concepts that shape people’s perceptions of diversity.

The term melting pot sometimes refers to the idea that different cultural backgrounds in the United States come together to form a single national identity. This perspective believes that individual differences can be assimilated together harmoniously to create a cohesive whole. In this case, people therefore regard their differences as being helpful in reaching a common end. The melting pot approach has been criticised for assuming that ethnic minorities must abandon their own culture customs and values in order to become part of American mainstream society. Also, it assumes that those who reject their cultural features in order to join US dominant culture will receive full acceptance into it as majority members. That is why many individuals find it hard to fit into the larger society if they have physical disparities from the majority group. For instance, Asian Americans born in America may often be asked where they come from by others. Moreover, deep ethno-cultural ties could make integration anathema for some people. Those who respect their cultural heritage and ancestral past are strongly against doing away with or throwing away traditional behaviors, ways of life and identity.

Multiculturalism

Another powerful argument about multiculturalism is that it enables diverse peoples’ differences should be recognised, celebrated, nurtured and protected thus maintaining social coherence and harmony among them. In terms of multiculturalism, diversity is celebrated as valuable asset for promoting a nation’s growth through mutual benefits derived from inclusion policies applied on various groups residing within its borders (Kymlicka 272). One of the misconceptions about multi-culturalism is that it is automatically controversial mainly because there seems not to be consensus regarding what culture actually means,. Multiculturalism aims at keeping or even enhancing social divisions between cultures instead of blending cultural variations; hence its difference with conformity-based “melting pot” concept (Banks & McGee 32). It has been noted from research that, by encouraging open dialogue and intercultural communication between people from different backgrounds, multiculturalism can be employed to foster the achievement of unifying superordinate values like democratisation, liberty, fairness etc.

Psychologists working in counseling psychology were among the pioneers in addressing multicultural matters. Counseling psychologists were prompted to acquire culturally relevant skills applicable to various populations due to demographic changes taking place in America. Consequently, cultural competence and intercultural knowledge have attracted more emphasis among professionals in counseling psychology as a result of what has been described as the multicultural trend. Some counseling psychologists believe that cultural sensitivity is not enough because it does not lead to favorable consequences either for treatment or society. They argue instead that this kind of development must operate bilaterally if it were aimed at realising the overarching goals of multiculturalism (Ward 2011). For mutual enrichment purpose, one way should be through an open dialogue about equality and access discussing power imbalances.

It is important for some psychological counselors to have certain elements for them to improve their cultural competency. For instance, clinicians are expected first acknowledge their privileged positions while being aware of biases within specific social environments (Bernal et al 2010). Further still therapists aiming at becoming culturally competent listen actively and seek input from others as well as make an effort at minimising their prejudiced viewpoints (Sue & Sue 2008). Finally, such a therapist who is trying to become multiculturally capable should strive to confront personal prejudices by increasing self-awareness; learning about clients’ cultural background; and engaging in consultative activities which will enhance positive change.

In the same way as the dispute on diversification is nothing new, discussions have raged within counseling psychology regarding acceptable meanings of “multicultural” (Ponterotto et al. 1995). It has been suggested that multiculturalism should be more widely defined to embrace distinctions based on race, colour, ethnicity, sex, disability sexual orientation, age and socio-economic position among other features of social diversity. Proponents of a narrower definition argue that if the concept is too broad it covers up issues such as nationality or gender identity in favor of more general ideas about cultural differences among people. Advocates for this approach contend that wide-ranging definitions of multiculturalism leads to a situation where all differences are treated equally thus hiding the real concerns related to ethnicity, national origin and gender.

Suppose one takes a broader perspective “multicultural” than another person; their attitude towards women and minorities may still incorporate biases or stereotypes that are problematic. Another level can be reached here when individuals commit themselves to finding out the values and opinions held by various cultural groups which influence them into prejudice and discrimination.