Cultural diversity is an important topic of discussion in today’s international community. It is conditioned by the active globalization that eliminates the distance between nations, creating thriving communities that benefit from global expertise. Cultural diversity is acknowledged as a positive phenomenon and promoted in various contexts, including political affairs and workplace environments. However, in order to ensure the overall positive view of this idea, it is essential to promote within the system of education. This essay argues that cultural diversity should be part of today’s curricula.
The subject matter is of paramount importance for building healthy, thriving communities. By promoting the positive view on cultural diversity, people acknowledge the reality of modern society. Historically, conflicts and oppression based on racial or ethnic differences used to be common in many parts of the world. Nevertheless, the evolution of society has prompted developed communities to reconsider the situation by shifting from enclosed cultures to the united humanity. From this perspective, adolescence is a fitting period for understanding the nature of diversity. At this stage, students form their personalities, while their cognition is advanced enough to fathom such complex ideas (Civitillo et al. 73). Therefore, as they approach adulthood, these people will be in line with the general perception of what a thriving society of the 21st century is.
It is possible to argue that education should focus on the traditional disciplines that are well-established in the curricula. More specifically, students already have sciences and humanities as subjects, and cultural diversity will further complicate the curriculum. However, school education is not limited to the mere passing of knowledge, because one of its other key purposes is to nurture positive qualities within the next generation (Civitillo et al. 70). Accordingly, cultural diversity aligns with the overarching principles of education.
Overall, cultural diversity is the reality of the 21st century, in which cultural differences are acknowledged and respected, while not dividing developed communities. A positive view of this phenomenon needs to be ensured on all levels and in all contexts. In this regard, school education is the ideal setting for nurturing such a perception in younger generations. Coming into adulthood, former students will already have the qualities that will help them build and sustain a positive, prosperous society.
Work Cited
Civitillo, Sauro et al. “Challenging beliefs about cultural diversity in education: A synthesis and critical review of trainings with pre-service teachers.” Educational Research Review, vol. 24, 2018, pp. 67-83.