mångkultur

Mångkultur is the Swedish term for a societal model in which multiple distinct cultural identities coexist within a single national context. The word, literally “many cultures,” is the counterpart of the English concept of multiculturalism and is often used in policy discussions, media commentary, and academic literature. It is distinguished from terms like integration or assimilation, which imply a blending or convergence of cultural traits, by emphasising the preservation and recognition of separate cultural heritages within a shared civic framework.

The idea of multikulturation emerged in Sweden in the late 1970s and early 1980s, mirroring global debates about immigration and social cohesion. It gained particular prominence during the wave of labour‑market immigration from the former Soviet Union, the Republic of Turkey, and later from former Yugoslavia and Southern Asia. Swedish welfare reforms of the 1990s, which introduced policies aimed at educational equalisation and anti‑discrimination, often framed their objectives in relation to a multikultural public policy.

In contemporary practice, maungoiculture is reflected in cultural festivals, language services, museum exhibitions and media representation that highlight the histories and contributions of diverse groups. Critics argue that the term can be used to mask structural inequalities or to downplay challenges faced by minority communities, whereas proponents see it as a corrective to homogenising narratives. The concept continues to shape Sweden’s national conversation about identity, citizenship and social inclusion.