Multiculturalism In American Education

The United States, as a nation of immigrants, has grown increasingly diverse in the social and cultural composition of its population. With tides of immigration over the past few decades, multicultural education, designed for the cultures of different races in an educational system, is a response to the changing demographics of the United States.Multicultural education acknowledges and incorporates positive racial idiosyncrasies into classroom atmospheres so to alleviate the racial tension and enhance the national unity. Proponents of multicultural education hold that it offers students a balanced appreciation and critique of other cultures. However, some opponents feel that multiculturalism will, instead of uniting cultures, actually divide them.This thesis, by tracking the origins and developments of multiculturalism in America, discusses the theories and practices of multicultural education. With a detailed analysis of competing views of the social changes brought out by multicultural education, the thesis examines the advantages and disadvantages embodied in this particular educational philosophy and concludes that multicultural education, if rationally constructed, harbors a platform for a multitude of voices in a multicultural society. It takes deep and critical thinking, imagination and espousal of the cultural wealth of all ethnic groups. The study further points to the peril of the radical change in the educational system in the guise of multiculturalism and stresses the imperative for the future curriculum reform in America oriented torwards social justice and equality.