Nowadays, due to economic globalisation, many individuals from many nations and cultural backgrounds reside in the same city, either permanently or temporarily, with local people. Multiculturalism will emerge as a result of the blending of many cultures.
This study focuses on three fundamental causes of multiculturalism and the benefits and drawbacks of multiculturalism. And it is concluded that multiculturalism has more advantages than disadvantages.
The flow of International Labour
One of the significant factors contributing to diversity is the worldwide labour flow. The overall number of international labour migrants rises due to rigorous globalisation. They bring their employment skills, conventions, and religious views to a new nation, and long-term coexistence makes diversity unavoidable. Using Auckland as an example, local labour shortages become a severe issue as the economy develops steadily.
"An estimated 32,000 more individuals will be required to work in the building and infrastructure business over the next few years," according to the research (NZ herald page1). As a result, the government must allow firms to hire qualified overseas workers on talent visas from various nations. In 2014/2015, 8,668 Essential Skill employees were accepted for employment in Auckland, with the following countries ranking first through fifth: India had 21%, China had 10%, Fiji had 10%, the United Kingdom had 9%, and the Philippines have 9%. (Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation, and Employment, 2015) It demonstrates that the overseas labour imported into Auckland is racially and culturally varied. Auckland has become a cosmopolitan metropolis due to the influx of overseas workers.
A significant source of diversity:
In addition to international labour flow, international students are a significant source of diversity. Studying abroad is becoming increasingly popular in all nations as the global economy becomes more uniform. Students expect to receive a high-quality education in other countries and are looking forward to tasting the unusual. "There were over 5.1 million foreign mobile students in 2016," says the report (UIS. 2018, page 1). Aside from gaining academic knowledge, international students are influenced by local culture and, in turn, show off their colourful, diversified culture to locals.
London, the United Kingdom's capital and largest city, is one of the most appealing destinations for international students. "London is the #1 choice for international students wishing to study abroad," according to the website. Nearly 100,000 foreign students study in London every year, representing more than 200 countries" (Study London, page 1). China, Malaysia, the United States, Hong Kong, and India are the top five countries of origin. "International students are helping to make London a more global, lively, and varied city" (Study London, page 1). London has become a cosmopolitan metropolis due to the influx of international students.
Refugees and their contribution
Refugees also contribute significantly to diversity. The term "refugee" refers to persons who have been compelled to from their homes due to war or other humanitarian causes. It is a collection of unhappy people who are in dire financial straits. They must relocate to different nations and integrate into their culture and customs. The UNHCR estimates 25.4 million refugees worldwide (UNHCR, 2018, page 1). Among the Western European countries, Germany has taken in the most refugees.
In 2017, 222,683 refugees entered Germany, with the following top five countries of origin: Many stayed in Berlin, according to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, 2018, page 1). Some of them reside in refugee shelters, while others live with locals. Berlin is a multicultural city, with the following citizenship origins among its 3,388,434 residents: Germany received 88.6%, other Europe 3%, Turkey 2.9 per cent, Asia 1.7 per cent, and Poland 1%. In terms of religion, Protestants account for 19.2 per cent, Roman Catholics for 8.9 per cent and others account for 71.9 per cent. (2018 city population, page 1) The influx of refugees has increased the city's diversity. Berlin is becoming a cosmopolitan metropolis as more and more migrants from various nations arrive.
Advantages and drawbacks
There is no question that diversity will provide several benefits. Multiculturalism brings colour to the monotony of contemporary life, making cities exciting and intriguing places to visit. People from diverse nations, each with its customs and cultural history, will provide new fascinating experiences to the locals. Apart from Christmas, there are brilliant Festivals and events virtually every week in Auckland, including the South Pacific Pasifika Festival, Indian Diwali Festival, Irish St. Patrick's Day, Chinese Spring Festival, etc. The citizens of Auckland are rarely bored since they love the food, music, and dancing from many cultures. All of this will contribute to the city's beauty and attract a more significant number of tourists.
As a result, diversity will promote the tourism sector, increase employment and income, and increase local government revenue, implying that multiculturalism is beneficial to the economy. New York, Singapore, London, and Sydney are just a few examples of multicultural cities. Beyond that, coexistence benefits mutual understanding and learning among individuals of various ethnic groups; more robust mutual knowledge might be beneficial in eradicating deep-seated prejudice and racial difficulties.
Furthermore, when people live with people of different cultures, they may recognise that they can view the world's existing elements in various ways, which can increase openness and inspire creativity. They may also blend different cultures to create new unique food, architecture, music, and culture. "New Zealanders enjoy a vibrant multicultural society, with 89 per cent believing that having individuals of diverse races, faiths, and cultures in society is a positive thing." The people's favourable attitude is the best demonstration of multiculturalism's benefits (Victoria University of Wellington, 2012, page 1).
Although the negative consequences of multiculturalism are few, we should acknowledge them. To begin with, there is a danger of social conflict due to cultural differences, prejudice, injustice, inequity, and religious convictions. One recent example would be the refugee riots in Europe, which have resulted in several deaths and social unrest. "In 2016, roughly 3,500 assaults on migrants or refugee shelters occurred in Germany" (Larsson, 2017, page 1). Second, if the dominating culture exerts too much influence on vulnerable minority groups, they may lose their original ethnic and cultural identity or lifestyle, whether consciously or unintentionally. Third, it is difficult for someone from a minority group to adjust to a new environment, which might be hostile at times; as a result, they are likely to be marginalised in mainstream society. And at first, the diverse language environment is a barrier to their children's academic achievement.
Conclusion
Finally, three major reasons for multiculturalism have been identified: international labour, international students, and refugees.
Multiculturalism has indisputable benefits; it brightens the world, dispels prejudice, fosters social inventiveness, and benefits the economy. However, the negatives should be acknowledged as well, such as social strife, marginalisation, etc. Multicultural societies undoubtedly offer more benefits than drawbacks, as long as they are well handled. In general, multiculturalism is a fantastic potential that also poses a significant difficulty; yet, such development is inescapable worldwide. People are expected to embrace it with a loving, optimistic, and all-encompassing mindset.
About the Author - This detailed research on a "brief exploration on the reasons the north opposed slavery " is done and published by Eddie Broke who works as an Essay Writing Help expert in Australia.
