A Study of Cultural Pluralism and Its Advantages for Education

Abstract

Cultural pluralism has been a dominant feature in man’s very recent history; and yet there has been a general failure to consider its meaning and to examine its implications for culture in general and education in particular. Cultural pluralism is a term used when smaller groups within a large society maintain their unique cultural identities, and their values and practices are accepted by the wider culture provided they are consistent with the laws and values of the wider society. The idea of cultural pluralism in the United States has its roots in the transcendentalist movement and was developed by pragmatist philosophers such as Horace Kallen, William James and John Dewey. The philosophy and ideology of pluralism is not new but one whose time has come for actualization. Education is providing experience for students, teachers, counselors and the community to nurture and practice pluralistic thought. The philosophy of pluralism is not restricted to the “plurist” educational movement but is being extended to encompass teacher in service training and community –based involvement and inputs. Teachers and community at large are acquiring an awareness of cultural pluralism through subtle methods of dialogue and participation. This research paper seeks to analyze the knowledge of cultural pluralism and its implications for education.