Verified Document

Cultural Identity As It Pertains Term Paper

Kymlicka is onto a good point in mentioning how Canada's social welfare system is a fairly unique benefit, springing from a uniquely Canadian attitude towards its citizens and the role of the state in the lives of its citizens. Kymlicka helps his constructive definition of Canadians by pointing out that they are almost unique in the OECD by not dismantling their social welfare benefits in the 1990's. Whether one agrees or disagrees with this definition, it is worth explaining why Canada has stood out from other OECD countries in this sense while maintaining high growth. Instead, Kymlicka reverts to the point about the United States, and the differentiation in social welfare systems -- again bolstering the image of Canada as 'not the United States.'

Kymlicka is on much stronger ground when talking about diversity within Canada. This is a more historically- and culturally-based method to explain how Canada is developing its own unique cultural elements. Although the U.S. is also culturally diverse, Kymlicka rightly points out that Canada was formed by two distinct cultures which were very different than elsewhere: the British (not colonialist) culture, and French Canadians. These two cultures preserve their differences in more than language and food; these differences extend throughout their politics and culture, from differing social welfare systems to differences in political views.

Kymlicka is also right to point out how Canada's relatively mercenary approach to immigration is changing the country in a way different from all other developed...

His citing of the various groups settling Canada at different times, from indigenous, British and French, to more modern settlements from China and India, he paints a picture of Canada as a fast-changing country in a way that is very different from other OECD countries.
Many articles that attempt to explain Canada do so through a discussion of "Canadian Exceptionalism." Duverger, for example, talks about plurality rule as an accommodation to different cultures within the country (Gaines). Studlar explains how Canadian exceptionalism influences provincial as compared to federal politics (Studlar). Kymlicka chooses to concentrate on Canada's constitutional acceptance of diversity. In this case, his argument might have been strengthened by contrast and comparison to cultural diversity in America; he chooses rather to address those concerns in Australia and New Zealand.

In conclusion, Kymlicka's article provides a useful review of Canadian culture, with a repetition of some of the well-explored questions about federalism and provincial politics.

Bibliography

Gaines, BJ. "Duverger's Law and the Meaning of Canadian Exceptionalism." Comparative Political Studies (1999): 835-861.

Kymlicka, W. "Being Canadian." Kymlicka, W. Government and Opposition. Oxford: Blackwell, 2003. 357-386.

Studlar, DT. "Canadian Exceptionalism: Explaining Differences over Time in Provincial and Federal Voter Turnout." Canadian Journal of Political Science (2001): 299-319.

Defining and Describing Culture

Sources used in this document:
Bibliography

Gaines, BJ. "Duverger's Law and the Meaning of Canadian Exceptionalism." Comparative Political Studies (1999): 835-861.

Kymlicka, W. "Being Canadian." Kymlicka, W. Government and Opposition. Oxford: Blackwell, 2003. 357-386.

Studlar, DT. "Canadian Exceptionalism: Explaining Differences over Time in Provincial and Federal Voter Turnout." Canadian Journal of Political Science (2001): 299-319.

Defining and Describing Culture
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Cultural Identity and Personal Perspective
Words: 1201 Length: 4 Document Type: Essay

S. without fluent English language skills. I have always felt that my upbringing allowed me the maximum possible benefit of American society without detracting from my ability to appreciate my culture of origin. In that regard, I have always felt very confident in public and in my interpersonal relationships; I have never felt like an immigrant or a foreign national and part of my personal identity definitely includes "American" components that

Cultural Identity Development
Words: 2411 Length: 8 Document Type: Research Paper

Abstract This paper addresses the significance of ethnic or cultural identity. It deals with the identity of socially advantaged as well as disadvantaged groups and my relation to them. Additionally, it highlights the significance of the self-identity concept. The Multidimensional Model of Racial Identity (MMRI), put forward by Smith, Sellers, Shelton and colleagues (1998), has been utilized to address all of the above aspects. The paper further explains the model, applying

Cultural Forms of Expression African-American
Words: 2857 Length: 9 Document Type: Term Paper

(Cha-Jua, 2001, at (http://www.wpunj.edu/newpol/issue31/chajua31.htm) Another aspect of representation, however, concerns collective memory and the representation of a shared past. Through the context for dialogue they create, social movements facilitate the interweaving of individual stories and biographies into a collective, unified frame, a collective narrative. Part and parcel of the process of collective identity or will formation is the linking of diverse experiences into a unity, past as well as present.

Cultural Counselor Being a Counselor Can Sometimes
Words: 2185 Length: 7 Document Type: Research Paper

Cultural Counselor Being a counselor can sometimes be a really tough job. Counseling can only be effective and beneficial when the counselor places himself or herself in the shoes of his or her client. If he or she is unable to do so, he or she will never become an effective counselor. Placing oneself in the circumstances of someone else is not easy, let alone placing oneself in the shoes of

Cultural Diversity Interview Narrative Cultural
Words: 4850 Length: 15 Document Type: Term Paper

While in high school, she worked as a waitress at a local diner. Most of the population was black, therefore there was little contact with white customers or employees. Margaret feels that she was socially isolated until the 1950s. She was not exposed to white culture; it was foreign to her. She was only exposed to black culture of the time. They were not allowed in certain stores, restaurants,

Cultural Jamming
Words: 595 Length: 2 Document Type: Term Paper

Some jammers still retain low-tech methods to spread their message utilizing nothing more than a magic marker. The most important thing about cultural jamming is that it is a response demanded by the people. People are tired of being told what to wear, how to look, what to buy and they don't want to be classified into categories by corporations. Corporations have more influence on an individual's day-to-day than other

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now