Cultural Diversity and Social Mobilization in Nepal
What is Cultural Diversity?
Cultural diversity refers to the differences in language, religion, ethnicity, culture, customs, traditions, behaviors, beliefs, literature, music, art, attire, perspectives on life, festivals, and rituals. It is the collective expression of values established through language, geography, history, art, and traditions, refined over time.
“Presence, Acceptance, and Co-existence of Multicultural values and practices” — Multicultural Society: A state where diverse cultures coexist, are accepted, and respected.
It involves recognizing, respecting, and embracing the cultural existence of others beyond one’s own, fostering equality and non-discrimination in a multi-ethnic, multilingual, multi-religious, and multicultural society.
- Plural Culture: The presence of multiple cultural elements with mutual respect and acceptance.
- Key Aspects: Cultural identity, respect, protection, tolerance, coexistence, equality, and cultural pluralism.
In the Context of Nepal
- Ethnic Groups: 142
- Languages: 124
- Religions: 10
- Geography: Human geography spanning 59 to 8,848 meters (sea level to Everest).
Cultural Diversity or multiculturalism is a way to describe the presence of many different cultures in a country and world. It recognizes the presence and value of the learned behaviors, beliefs, and other characteristics of the many ethnic groups around the world and across the nation.
Characteristics of Cultural Diversity
- Unity in diversity
- Diversity in unity
- Presence of pluralism
- Diverse systems and subsystems
- Cultural tolerance, coexistence, and equality
- Cultural harmony
- Conflict and unity
- Cultural freedom
- Neutrality
- Cultural harmony and integration
- Interrelation and interdependence
- Existence of distinct cultures
- Cultural identity, respect, and protection
- Cultural pluralism
Reasons for Cultural Diversity
- Geographical diversity
- Religious diversity
- Ethnic diversity
- Linguistic diversity
- Cultural freedom
- State policies
- Cultural awareness
- Civic education
- Social norms
- Social harmony
Importance of Cultural Diversity
- Invaluable Asset: A national treasure.
- Pride: A source of self-respect.
- National Identity: Defines the nation.
- Unity in Diversity: Strengthens national unity.
- Cultural Pluralism: Embraces diverse cultures.
- Cultural Tolerance: Promotes mutual respect.
- Social Harmony: Fosters peace.
- Healthy Social Life: Establishes a vibrant society.
- Flower Garden Analogy: “We are hundreds of flowers, yet one Nepali garland.”
Benefits of Proper Management of Cultural Diversity
- Elimination of discrimination
- Awakening of self-respect
- Conflict management
- Social mobilization
- Protection of cultural pluralism
- Development of tourism
- Our Assets: Culture and nature
- Building an inclusive state
Measures to Protect Cultural Diversity
“Culture is the way you think, act, and interact.”
- Civic education and awareness
- Promoting tolerance
- Behavioral change
- Public awareness campaigns
- Preservation and promotion of cultural heritage
- Active participation in other communities’ cultural practices
- Inclusion in school curricula
- Mobilizing international cooperation
- Adopting a liberal perspective toward others
Cultural Diversity and Nepal’s Constitution
- Preamble: Commitment to cultural diversity and social justice.
- Article 3: Nepal as a multicultural nation.
- Article 4: State’s role in promoting diversity.
- Article 6: Recognition of national languages.
- Article 32: Right to language and culture.
- Article 50: Directive principles for social and cultural objectives.
- Article 51: State policies for national unity, cultural transformation, social justice, and inclusion.
What is Social Mobilization?
Social mobilization is the process of actively involving all members of society in achieving common national development goals. It promotes participation through diverse strategies, fostering interest and readiness for social initiatives and ensuring meaningful engagement in development and public service delivery.
It involves:
- Increasing interest
- Enhancing partnerships
- Promoting critical thinking
- Fostering responsibility
- Raising concern
- Encouraging meaningful participation
Social Mobilization is an integrative process where stakeholders are stimulated to become active participants in social change, using diverse strategies to meet shared goals. — Thompson and Pertschuk (1992)
It includes identifying social problems, prioritizing them, and implementing community-driven solutions.
Methods of Social Mobilization
- Policy frameworks
- Promoting participation
- Mainstreaming, empowerment, and opportunity provision (MEO)
- Enhancing awareness
- Promoting social entrepreneurship
- Encouraging a culture of contribution to social work
- Meaningful engagement
- Creating platforms for contribution
- Building a competitive environment
- Creating conditions for self-satisfaction
Steps in Community Mobilization
- Identify Problems/Issues: Recognize community challenges.
- Select a Strategy: Develop solutions to address problems.
- Community Mobilization: Engage the community in action.
- Implementation: Execute plans with meaningful participation.
- Assess and Improve: Evaluate results and refine strategies.
Actors in Social Mobilization
- Government
- Political parties
- Educational institutions
- Development partners/donors
- Leaders/role models
- Teachers
- Students
- Youth
- Social activists
- Pressure groups
- Mothers’ groups
- Film industry
- Social organizations
- Media
- Literature, art, and music creators
- Intellectuals
- Civil society
- Curriculum developers
- Individuals
Contributions of Social Mobilization
- Political influence
- Group action
- Legal campaigns
- Public information and education
- Cultural transformation
- Leadership and management development
- Awareness raising
Why Social Mobilization?
- Promote transparency
- Foster ownership among citizens
- Enhance collective accountability
- Make development effective
- Realize sustainable development
- Establish social justice
- Awaken a sense of collectivism
- Resolve conflicts
- Mobilize resources
- Maximize use of limited resources
- Ensure good governance
Challenges of Social Mobilization in Nepal
- Lack of transparency
- Low education and awareness
- Frequent and unjustified policy changes
- Weak public hearings
- Poor monitoring and evaluation systems
- Ineffective public audit systems
- Elite capture
- Lack of recognition for contributions
- Untrained elected representatives
Question 1: Concept, Multidimensionality, and Mainstreaming Cultural Diversity in Development
Definition of Cultural Diversity
According to UNESCO’s Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, culture is the complex whole of knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, laws, customs, traditions, capacities, and practices inherent in individuals or societies. Cultural diversity is the presence and coexistence of diverse cultures, involving their acceptance, recognition, and respect. It encompasses the dynamic behaviors, shared aspirations, and diverse perspectives of individuals and societies.
In Nepal, Article 3 of the Constitution recognizes the nation’s multicultural character, embracing linguistic, artistic, traditional, and ritualistic diversity in a multi-ethnic, multilingual society with a rich historical background.
Multidimensional Aspects
Just as biodiversity supports ecological balance, cultural diversity is vital for the ecosystem of socio-economic development. It is intertwined with emotions, consciousness, and behaviors, making it integral to democratic governance. Its multidimensional aspects include:
- Diversification in social values and norms
- Lifestyle and social representation
- Value systems and codes of conduct
- Intergenerational relationships
- Linguistic and artistic diversity
- Governance structures and behaviors
- Political issues of social exclusion and inclusion
These interconnections make cultural diversity a political and developmental issue.
Mainstreaming Cultural Diversity in Development
Cultural diversity, tied to individual and societal identity and aspirations, serves as both a means and an end in socio-economic development. A society’s strength lies in its cultural capacities, which influence development outcomes. Mainstreaming cultural diversity aligns with the following development objectives:
- Respecting individual capacities and potential in community development
- Positioning individuals as central to development
- Meeting physical and emotional needs
- Upholding human rights, equality, and non-discrimination
- Ensuring full participation opportunities
- Enhancing individual and collective self-esteem
To mainstream cultural diversity in development, the following must be ensured:
- Study and understanding of social, economic, political, and legal contexts
- Universal access and inclusion
- Widespread public participation
- Preservation of linguistic diversity, emphasizing mother tongues
- Protection of cultural and natural heritage
- Promotion of cultural industries, goods, and services
- Intercultural dialogue and cultural pluralism
- Interaction between modern science and traditional knowledge
- Collaboration and coordination
In sustainable development, addressing cultural diversity is critical. Culture, deeply rooted in individuals and societies, must be integrated into development processes to achieve meaningful prosperity. By incorporating these elements into planning and implementation, cultural diversity becomes both a value and a tool for development.