The political philosophy of pluralism suggests that we really can and should “all just get along.”. First recognized as an essential element of democracy by the philosophers of Ancient Greece, pluralism permits and even encourages a diversity of political opinion and participation.
Pluralism is a political philosophy holding that people of different beliefs, backgrounds, and lifestyles can coexist in the same society and participate equally in the political process. Pluralism assumes that its practice will lead decision-makers to negotiate solutions that contribute to the “common good” ...
In government, the political philosophy of pluralism anticipates that people with different interests, beliefs, and lifestyles will coexist peacefully and be allowed to participate in the governing process. Pluralists acknowledge that a number of competing interest groups will be allowed to share power.
In the world of politics and government, it is assumed that pluralism will help achieve a compromise by helping decision-makers become aware of and fairly address several competing interests and principles.
Pluralists acknowledge that a number of competing interest groups will be allowed to share power. In this sense, pluralism is considered a key element of democracy. Perhaps the most extreme example of pluralism is found in a pure democracy, where each individual is allowed to vote on all laws and even court decisions.
Pluralism recognizes that in some cases, the acceptance and integration of minority groups should be achieved and protected by legislation, such as civil rights laws.
In the real world, cultural pluralism can succeed only if the traditions and practices of the minority groups are accepted by the majority society. In some cases, this acceptance must be protected by legislation, such as civil rights laws.
generalizations. Broad statements about a group that offer information, clues, and insights that can help a teacher plan more effectively. Generalizations are a good starting point, but as the teacher learns more about the students, individual differences become more educationally significant. immersion.
culture. A set of learned beliefs, values, and behaviors; a way of life shared by members of a society. deficit theory. A theory that asserts that the values, language patterns, and behaviors that children from certain racial and ethnic groups bring to school put them at an educational disadvantage.
multicultural education. Educational policies and practices that not only recognize but also affirm human differences and similarities associated with gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, and class. multiracial. A term that pertains to people whose ancestry consists of more than one race.
cultural difference theory. A theory that asserts that academic problems can be overcome if educators study and mediate the cultural gap separating school and home. cultural pluralism. Acceptance and encouragement of cultural diversity.