Multiculturalism and Its Ramifications on Democracy in Australia.
What is the causal connection between multiculturalism and Australian democracy? In seeking a justifiable answer to this, the significant elementary constructs of the question must first be defined. Within context, multiculturalism can be seen as "the practice of retaining the individual characteristics of the various cultures within a society (Heinemann, 1994:709)," and is a significant part of Australia's identity. This cultural retainment is clearly reflected in the nation's large ethnic population, whose preservation of distinct values and beliefs inevitably influences the convictions of all Australians within society who either accept or reject such cultural variables. In addition, these collective attitudes contribute to the shaping of the government policies that regulate the welfare of all migrants and potential migrants. Consequently, if one considers that the fundamentals of democracy involve the "government of a country by its people" (Hutchinsons, 1994:308), it becomes clear that multiculturalism's influence on persons within Australia must then affect the democratic process as a whole. Thus, a causal relationship is established between multiculturalism and democracy. Whether or not such a relationship is beneficial or detrimental to the functioning of democracy will be explored in the following discussion. Additionally, democracy involves "the practice or spirit of social equality (Collins, 1994:420). Whether or not this is enhanced by multiculturalism will also be deliberated upon in the research essay.
Before passing judgement on the legitimacy of any argument, Australian's attitudes and policies towards migrants requires acute examination. According to many, the policies introduced by Australian Governments are reflective of a symbiotic, rather than parasitic relationship between migrant communities and democracy (Foster and Stockley, 1995).