ABSTRACT

Ideological support for the philosophical position has been traced to a philosophy of ‘vulgarized cultural relativism’, according to Eugeen Roosens. Ethnic pluralism is a familiar characteristic of modern societies and New Zealand is no exception. However, under conditions of rapid social change, there is often intensification of ethnic identity at the same time that the traditional culture is clearly diminishing. In the multiethnic New Zealand context, the educational challenge will be to encourage a strong national identity while still recognizing a variety of different interest groups, ethnic styles and the persistent need for separate minority identities – albeit, identities which carry with them a degree of self-esteem, dignity and pride. Communication between diverse groups, social or cultural in origin, is no doubt essential for our global survival.