ABSTRACT
Introduction Cultural pluralism is a social fact. The vast majority of modern societies are characterized by cultural pluralism, though its degree varies from one society to another. In some respects there may seem to be nothing new in this phenomenon. Many examples can be found of societies in the distant and the recent past that included distinct cultural communities (examples include the Ottoman, Greek, and Roman empires). Cultural discourse in the current era, however, is marked by characteristics that distinguish it from previous periods. One of these characteristics is the nature of the demands presented to the state. In the past the “other” cultures saw themselves as living alongside the dominant culture in spatial terms, and hence confined themselves to cultural autonomy – i.e. the demand that the state refrain from preventing the members of the group from preserving and realizing their cultural identity. New cultural groups, however, no longer necessarily consider themselves as “other,” and do not restrict their living area alongside the dominant culture. They often seek rights, equal treatment (in the sense of affirmative action), an opportunity to participate in shaping social arrangements, and an equal opportunity to contribute to the development of collective social life.2
