Labelling Multiculturalism

This theoretical essay addresses the fragmentation and untidiness surrounding multiculturalism, proposing a synthesis board to clarify its relevance in explaining diversity. Using a systematic literature review (SLR), this essay categorizes multiculturalist and non-multiculturalist theories from 1990s to the present. The classification is primarily based on Avigail Eisenberg’s terminology, which classifies responses to diversity into quietist, skeptical, and pro-identity, as well as Will Kymlicka’s Liberal Multiculturalism theory. The results include a grid-axis synthesis board that shows different types of geographically based variants, such as Canadian, immigrant-focused, and Native-focused multiculturalism, as well as alternate views, such as monoculture and pluri-monoculturalism. The author also cross-references these theoretical approaches with five diversity models from notable scholars (Bikhu Parekh, Hartmann and Gerteis, Koopmans, Ayelet Shachar, and Peter Cumper). The research underscores the rarity of integrating multiculturalism with other pluralist theories, which often leads to polarized views in literature that lack comparative analysis. The research underscores the necessity of conducting comparative analysis across national contexts, emphasizing the significance of “local multiculturalism,” given that existing literature frequently presents isolated perspectives, emphasizing the potential to uncover new variants in future research and under explored areas.