Exploring the Ideology of Canadian Multiculturalism

TLDR: In this context, Howard Brotz's (1980) refreshing article on the muddled state of Canadian multiculturalism policy is a welcome contrast to the usual tributes as discussed by the authors, and some ideas which suggest that the Canadian policy of multiculturalism is not only muddled but misconceived.

Abstract: Ideologies are ill-founded beliefs which are often uncritically held by those whose interests are furthered by such justifications. For reasonable people, ideologies are stifling because they discourage what is essential for a balanced view the judicious consideration of alternative ideas and evidence. In this context, Howard Brotz's (1980) refreshing article on the muddled state of Canadian multiculturalism policy is a welcome contrast to the usual tributes. Following Brotz, we wish to introduce some ideas which suggest that the Canadian policy of multiculturalism is not only muddled but misconceived. Brotz's central point, that the ambiguous use of 'culture' confuses rather than clarifies discussions of multiculturalism, is well taken. Unfortunately, by juxtaposing 'culture' and 'civilization,' he does not focus on a more important distinction between 'culture' and 'social structure.' Though most human behaviour is influenced by both cultural and structural forces, separation of these components is necessary for an appraisal of the multiculturalism policy. Kornhauser identifies the essence of these two concepts: 'Culture ... is restricted to the realm of meaning; it refers to the shared meanings by which a people give order, expression, and value to common experiences.... In the grand tradition of cultural analysis, the distinctively cultural refers to those symbols by which a people apprehend and endow experience with ultimate human significance.... If culture is manifested in those aspects of behaviour enjoined by ideal patterns of belief, social structure is manifested in those aspects of behaviour enjoined by patterns of interrelationship among social positions. Social structure refers to the stabilization of cooperative efforts to achieve goals, by means of the differentiation of a social unit according to positions characterized by a set of activities, resources, and links to other positions and collectivities' (1978:6-7, emphasis added). Culture, then, represents a shared symbolic blueprint which guides action on an ideal course and gives life meaning. In contrast,