Cultural Pluralism VS Culture in the Singular

Cultural Pluralism VS Culture in the Singular

This essay deals with the still existing debate on culture. The writer tried to explain the nature of cultures from different prospectives by presenting different ideas of anthropologists like Durkheim, Karl Marx, etc. The author tried to differentiate between the plural culture and singular culture. He suggests the readers that cultural pluralism is better than the culture in singular.

The customs and beliefs, arts, way of life and social organization of a particular country or a group is termed as culture. Anthropology is the study of culture. It focuses on diversity of ways to live their social lives in groups. According to the places, the cultures of people are different from one another. Religion is also a small example of culture. European societies believe on culture in the singular. They think that people wouldn't be bound with different things so that people will have progress and thoughts would be developed. This concept came due to the impact of imperialism which existed during the 18 and 19 century. But in 20 century, the concept of cultural pluralism came into existence. According to this concept, culture carries its own ideas, knowledge, values, systems, believes and practices which are very important for each human beings of different areas and places. But, in 19 century, the western imperialism had cultivated its own culture and people were compelled to adopt it. It also brought progress over time intellectually, spiritually, etc. But, plural culture is more important. It is the identity of people. Each culture is different having its own specialty. Culture is the cultivation of mind. It is developed since their birth. It must be understood in plural and judged in particular context.

The writer presents the views of some modern anthropologists. They are Franz Boas, Durkheim and Karl Marx. According to Marx, culture must be known through class i.e, rich and poor culture. Here, the culture is determined by materialism i.e, money, property, facilities, etc. He believes in multiple cultures. Culture is a methodological procedure through which human behavior could be explained.

To sum up, the writer here, tried to convince that cultural pluralism is better than culture in the singular. Culture is the identity of people. It develops in its own way. Cultures are different to each other and they are also equal to each other. They must be understood in plural.