Introduction

Whether it is called multiculturalism, pluralism, interculturality or some other descriptor, the idea of cultural diversity has different connotations for different people. For some it is a source of tension and hostility between social groups, even leading to vilification and violence. For others it represents a joyful recognition of the richness and multiplicity of human life, an avenue to greater dialogue, mutual understanding and creativity. Whichever way it is viewed, the phenomenon of cultural diversity has grown over recent years to become a significant feature of cultural policy both within and between nations.

In this chapter we consider the origins of the debate about cultural diversity and its development over the second half of the twentieth century, leading eventually to the UNESCO Convention on Cultural Diversity, which we began discussing in the previous chapter. The Convention as it is now in operation provides an appropriate framework within which to think about the role of diversity in informing the making of cultural policy in the contemporary world. First, however, it is necessary to consider the perennial question of value and valuation.

The value of cultural diversity

Motivating the international interest in cultural diversity has been an appreciation that for a variety of reasons cultural diversity is valuable. How does this value arise?