Introduction

Several cultures embedded within one society is considered a multicultural society. Each culture varies with their own qualities unique to their background. Even within a multicultural society, you may find that each culture is separated geographically or by choice; this is segregation. The dominant culture typically dominates and has a larger influence on the laws across the entire area. A melting pot is when a minority culture gives up their unique customs and traditions and confirms to the dominant culture, also known as assimilation. A salad bowl allows the minority to keep their unique qualities while also conforming to a portion of the dominant culture’s norms.

Multicultural literature represents each of these situations. Each society will have their own differences and similarities in the way stories are told and the type of content that’s included. Stories are deeply representative of one’s culture and multicultural literature is an excellent way to “travel” to another land or learn about a culture within your own geographic location. You may find that your own background overlaps with another culture, and you’ll certainly learn similarities and differences amongst the culture you’re reading about and the society you are most familiar with.

This learning section will review the various types of multicultural societies and the importance of diversifying your reading with multicultural literature.

Multicultural Literature

Multicultural Societies Explained

Amendor, A., Langeland, A. (2012). Multicultural Societies Explained. NDLA. Retrieved from http://ndla.no/en/node/104197?fag=42. CC-BY-NC-SA

Chimamanda, N. (2009). YouTube. The danger of a single story. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/D9Ihs241zeg

Summary

A multicultural society includes several cultures embedded within one society.

To review the key terms within this learning section:

Segregation: each culture is separated geographically or by choice. (The dominant culture typically dominates and has a larger influence on the laws across the entire area.)
Melting pot: a minority culture gives up their unique customs and traditions and confirms to the dominant culture, also known as assimilation.
Salad bowl: allows the minority to keep their unique qualities while also conforming to a portion of the dominant culture’s norms.

Multicultural literature is an avenue to learn about things you may not personally identify with. Cultural and societal norms, laws, customs, and traditions that you have never experienced first-hand are all explained in detail within literature. You have the ability to not only learn about these customs, but immerse yourself while reading about them.