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Examining Multicultural Perspectives
Examining Multicultural Perspectives
Big Idea
Big Idea
Understanding diverse perspectives and worldviews helps us better understand ourselves, our relationships with others, and how to work effectively in the world of work.
Why This Matters
Why This Matters
In conversations about diversity, culture is often reduced to race or ethnicity. While these are important aspects of culture, they do not tell the whole story. Culture also includes beliefs, values, traditions, communication styles, experiences, and worldviews shaped by family, community, education, ability, gender, religion, and life experiences. Understanding this broader definition is essential for success in school, relationships, and future careers.
Part 1: exploring the meaning of multiculturalism The Activity...
Part 1: exploring the meaning of multiculturalism The Activity...
In small groups of 3-4 people, use one piece of paper to record your thoughts.
Step 1
Step 1
Write the word "MULTICULTURAL" in the top-middle of the page
Step 2
Step 2
Underline “multi”
As a group, brainstorm what multi means.
Consider both literal definitions and examples from everyday life.
Step 3
Step 3
Underline “cultural”
As a group, brainstorm:
A dictionary-style definition of culture
What culture means to you personally
Let's think of the word "culture" more deeply. Write down all dimensions of culture you can think of - reflect on your own cultures and the dimensions of that culture with which you identify. Consider:
Family traditions
Beliefs and values
Language and communication
Lived experiences
Social identities and worldviews
Let's categorize your ideas of culture. The Core Idea of Hidalgo’s 3 Levels (Big Picture)
Let's categorize your ideas of culture. The Core Idea of Hidalgo’s 3 Levels (Big Picture)
Hidalgo’s model shows that culture exists at different depths:
Some parts of culture are easy to see
Some parts affect how people act and communicate
Some parts are deeply held beliefs and values that guide behaviour
The deeper the level, the less visible it is — but the greater impact it has on how people think and behave.
Part 2: Understanding the Levels of Culture
Using Nitza Hidalgo’s “Three Levels of Culture” (surface culture, shallow culture, deep culture):
Review your brainstormed ideas. As a group, sort each idea into one of the three levels.
Be prepared to explain why you placed each idea where you did.
Concrete (surface culture)
Concrete (surface culture)
This is the most visible and easily observed level of culture. It includes things that people can often see, hear, or experience right away.
Examples include:
Clothing and fashion
Food
Music and art
Holidays and celebrations
Games and traditions
These aspects of culture are often highlighted in multicultural festivals or cultural celebrations. While important, they do not fully represent a person’s identity.
Behavioral (shallow culture)
Behavioral (shallow culture)
This level of culture includes patterns of behaviour and social expectations. These aspects influence how people interact with others and function in society.
Examples include:
Language and communication styles
Body language and nonverbal communication
Gender roles
Family structure
Attitudes toward authority
Social norms and rules
These behaviours are shaped by deeper cultural values and help explain why people may act or communicate differently.
Symbolic (deep culture)
Symbolic (deep culture)
This is the least visible but most influential level of culture. It includes deeply held beliefs, values, and worldviews that shape how people see themselves and the world.
Examples include:
Core values and belief systems
Spirituality or religion
Worldviews and ways of understanding life
Ideas about right and wrong
Assumptions about time, success, and relationships
Deep culture strongly influences both surface and shallow culture, even though it is not always visible.
ASSIGNMENT
Assignment: Connecting Multiculturalism to the Workplace
Assignment: Connecting Multiculturalism to the Workplace
Now that you have a deeper understanding of multiculturalism, you will explore why cultural awareness matters in future employment.
Using the posted document and brief research time, respond to the following questions.
Your answers must be written in complete sentences and show thoughtful reflection.
SUBMIT
Submit your completed assignment in your Advisory block Google Classroom.
Due: Monday, January 12
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