mångkulturellt

Mångkulturellt is a Swedish term that refers to a social condition in which several cultures coexist within a single society and contribute to public life. It emphasizes recognition of cultural diversity, equal rights, and the possibility of cultural exchange and mutual learning among groups.

Historically associated with immigration and post-industrial societies, mångkulturellt has been used as a policy frame in many European countries, including Sweden. It has encompassed measures to protect minority rights, support language and cultural associations, and reduce discrimination, while also prompting debates about social integration, cohesion, and the boundaries of cultural accommodation.

In practice, mångkulturellt involves institutions and programs that address diversity in education, housing, work, and public services. Examples include language support for newcomers, mother-tongue instruction, anti-discrimination legislation, and forums for intercultural dialogue. Critics caution that an emphasis on distinct cultures can risk reinforcing separation or essentializing identities, while supporters argue that it creates equal standing for diverse groups and fosters innovation and democracy.

In contemporary discourse, the concept has evolved, with some policymakers preferring approaches such as interculturalism or inclusive integration that foreground interaction and shared civic norms rather than culture-centered categories. Still, mångkulturellt remains a reference point for understanding how societies respond to diversity, rights, and social participation.