1. DIFFERENT PEOPLES, ONE WORLD The Economics of Multiculturalism HARI SRINIVAS ROOM: I-312 / 079-565-7406 Studies in Multicultural Societies

2. Rethinking Multiculturalism A “multicultural society” is one consisting of people from a diverse variety of national, linguistic, religious and cultural backgrounds. Multiculturalism goes beyond the visible aspects of culture and includes behaviour, values, ethics and other ‘invisible’ aspects of human nature as well

3. Culture is like an Apple The Skin – Observed: Language, Food, Architecture, Fashion, Art The Flesh – Norms & Values: Beliefs, attitudes and conventions The Core – Basic Assumptions: Unquestioned behaviour - tradition

4. Example of a multicultural UK More than four million non- white Britons live in the UK, making it one of the most ethnically complex countries in Europe. Almost half of this number lives in London and almost 300 different languages are spoken in all of the capital’s schools.

5. Some Key Facts Around 8% do not classify themselves as ‘White’ (4.6m people) Around 50% of those are from South Asia Around 5% are Chinese Around 25% as Black or Black British There are around 1.5m Muslims, 550,000 Hindus, 330,000 Sikhs and 260,000 Jews in UK There are around 200,000 Gypsies in UK

6. British Multiculturalism ‘accommodative multiculturalism’ It interprets and applies its laws, and formulates and implements its policies, in a culturally sensitive manner, and gives its minorities the freedom and sometimes the resources to maintain their languages and cultures’’ Lord Parekh Statistics by ethnic origin or religion – for equal opportunities

7. Perception of Multiculturalism A source of creativity and innovation In London 300 languages spoken Over 25% of the population of London were born in another country ‘’ It is this mix of people that makes London a vibrant melting pot for innovation, originality and cutting edge creativity’’ (The leader of the London Olympic Bid)

8. Economic Benefits for UK It is estimated that in 1999/2000 migrants in the UK contributed £31.2 billion in taxes and consumed £28.8 billion in benefits and state services, a net fiscal contribution of approximately £2.5 billion Ageing population/EU expansion Migrants bring new skills and experiences plus trading links

9. Economic Benefits for UK In 2002, migrants contributed over an estimated £2.5 billion to the economy in just one year A 1% population increase through migration can lead to a 1.25% to 1.5% increase in Gross Domestic Product Migrants now account for one in eight of the UK’s working population which is estimated to boost economic output by £6 billion

10. Key Success Factors Appropriate and enforced legislation (e.g Race Relations Amendment Act – 2000) Pragmatic common sense solutions – not ideology A responsible media – BBC A strong NGO sector Citizenship education Representation in public sector, politics and role models Economic and employment policies Open debate – multiculturalism in UK today – social cohesion/cultural pluralism

11. Example #2: Malaysia Malaysia is a multiethnic country, with Malays making up the majority, close to 52% of the population. About 24.6% of the population are Malaysians of Chinese descent. Malaysians of Indian descent comprise about 7% of the population.

12. Malaysia The Malaysian New Economic Policy or NEP serves as a form of affirmative action It promotes structural changes in various aspects of life from education to economic to social integration. It was established after the May 13 racial riots of 1969 It sought to address significant imbalance in the economic sphere. But is controversial in its suport for Malays, at the cost of other races.

13. Example #3; Singapore Singapore’s multicultural society is being increasingly seen as one of the country’s greatest assets in terms of economic growth. Currently Singapore’s society is made up of people from Chinese, Malay and Indian origin. Over the years, thanks to the liberal immigration policy that was followed, people from many other cultures and countries have made Singapore their home and brought their own unique identity to the country.

14. Singapore Strong multiculturalism leading to an easy environment to do business in a globalized economy Singapore’s multicultural society has also helped strengthen its relations with other nations from across the world More countries are willing to work closely with Singapore, including cooperation in economic activities

15. Singapore Singapore has a diverse culture but at the same time is amongst the most peaceful and harmonious societies in the world Many see Singapore as a risk free investment destination precisely because various cultures co-exist in the country and have created a unique identity for the country.

16. Multiculturalism and Economics? Multiculturalism Lack of Freedom? Social Conflict? Lack of common system of collaboration? Barriers to economic growth?

17. Problems with Multiculturalism Racism and discrimination Immigration and Social Services Taxes and financial support Refugees and human rights

18. Multiculturalism and Economics? Multiculturalism Variety in values and ethics Innovative spirits Social diversity Better economic opportunities

19. Multiculturalism and Economics? Multiculturalism DIVERSITY Diversity of – - Cultures - Values - Ethics - Skills - etc. Business and Trade Opportunities

20. Promoting Multiculturalism Economic Development Innovation and Entrepreneurship Social: Globalization and Humanity Heritage Conservation Tourism Development

21. Final word … Yes, multiculturalism does have problems … But history has shown that good policy can promote multiculturalism to benefit the host country! Look at USA …

22. Contact me … Send me an email anytime! Hari Srinivas hari.srinivas@kwansei.ac.jp IMPORTANT: When you send an email, please always put “[ZEMI]” in the subject line! Resources, websites, ideas, notes will be available online: www.gdrc.info/sms /