Biodiversity vs. Cultural Diversity Biodiversity is the variation of life forms in the world as a whole, or just in a particular habitat or ecosystem. In the same way, cultural diversity is the variation of cultures, religions, and beliefs in a particular place. The two are sometimes, but not always, related to each other. Do environmental changes affect the cultural diversity? Environmental changes can affect cultural diversity in a couple of ways. For example, in Australia and many other countries, indigenous cultures and their traditions are heavily influenced by their environment. Stories of how the world around them came to be are passed down for generations and become an important part of their cultures. Another effect the environment can have on cultural diversity is when an environment becomes too harsh for people to live in and forces them to relocate. While this can increase cultural diversity in the countries they immigrate to, it could also force these people to assimilate with the new culture and abandon their old traditions, as well as their native language. Is there a change in/loss of cultural diversity in Denmark? While Denmark does have a rich culture as well as intellectual and artistic heritage, the majority of Denmark is Christian with other religious/ethnic groups lacking much representation as they are a historically homogenous nation. This leads to a slight loss of cultural diversity in Denmark. There was a change in the cultural diversity with the immigration flow of migrant workers from Pakistan in the 60s and 70s. Of the 5 million Danes, 703,873 are immigrants and their descendants – about 12.3% of the population, with 53% of all immigrants and descendants originating from a European country (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark). While the Constitution of 1849 grants citizens full religious freedom, the state supports the Church of Denmark and the Church has nearly 80% of the population as members (Iverson). How is Denmark addressing/preserving cultural diversity? Denmark prides itself on being a diverse and "forward-thinking" country compared to the rest of the world, however the actual cultural diversity in Denmark seems a bit mute. Most Danes celebrate the same holidays in the same ways with the same traditions, while the few other religions remain rather lowly represented. However, this does not mean Denmark isn't doing anything to address cultural diversity. Denmark encourages immigration and is very "generous" in its immigration policies including welfare payments and perks in transportation, housing and education - "determined to set a world example for inclusiveness and multiculturalism" (Wooldridge). Furthermore, Denmark supports ther religious communities through tax exemption on donations to recognized religious bodies (Iverson). Should governing bodies (country governments) be actively involved (through legislation and funding) in protecting cultural diversity? While I do believe that cultural diversity is important, I don't think it is necessarily the government's job to be actively involved. While I think there should obviously be protection for people to express their own religious freedom, the government itself should remain as secular as possible. It is amazing to have very culturally diverse countries, but if one culture happens to dominate the country that is fine as well because it still contributes to overall global cultural diversity. I also think that the policies Denmark have in place in terms of immigration are a great way to encourage cultural diversity without being involved in "protecting" or "promoting" it, but rather just allowing it to happen. I think other countries could benefit from being welcoming to immigrants and their cultures, because cultural diversity can enrich everyone's life. Iverson, H. R. (n.d.). Religion in Denmark. Retrieved November 17, 2016, from http://denmark.dk/en/society/religion/
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (n.d.) Home sweet home - How do danes live? Retrieved November 17, 2016, from http://denmark.dk/en/meet-the-danes/how-do-danes-live/ Wooldridge, F. (2013, February 26). Diversity and multiculturalism displacing Denmark’s ... Retrieved November 17, 2016, from http://churchandstate.org.uk/2013/03/diversity-and-multiculturalism-displacing/
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I just created a report on the education system in Denmark. It shows how Denmark is meeting and exceeding the expectations set in place by the UN's Global Education Initiative. Please feel free to leave comments here!
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Author: Alex Schuler20 years old, from Arizona. Studying Special Education & Elementary Education (BAE). Archives
November 2016
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