Cultural Differentiation and Social Integration in Complex Modern Societies Reflections on Cultural Diversity Management Strategies from a Sociological Point of View

Abstract

This paper reflects on foundations of integration in our differentiated and globalized society from a sociological point of view, and links this reflection to most recent scientific acquisitions of the New Systems Theory or Complexity Science about how all systems, natural as well as social systems, work and evolve. Incorporating the sociological tradition on differentiation processes as rule of social functioning, the contemporary sociology accepted

Tourism and Cultural Interaction: A Paradoxical Relationship

“…This is a good starting point for delimiting the first dichotomy: heterogeneity versus cultural homogeneity. However, cultural diversity is not limited to the issue of multiculturalism, and the topic of interculturality or interculturalism that often emerges in its critique (Condorelli, 2018) must also be mentioned. For example, the aforementioned multiculturalism does not focus on the tensions of a possible or desirable cultural integration nor on the difference of perspectives on human rights within a framework of the discussion about human dignity and communication with ethical and moral impacts.…”

“…Thus, we can consider two types of cultural diversity in societies: one that is rooted in the older identity policies and the recognition of diversity, proposed by Charles Taylor (1994) and called multiculturalism; and another that is called interculturalism, owing to Sartori (2000) the idea of a policy of dialogue and reciprocity (Condorelli, 2018;Taylor, 1994). This interculturalism is at the heart of what Josefová (2014) calls intercultural communication, put in motion by individuals, social groups, organizations, States and societies, that is facilitated by "just knowledge of cultural distinction" (Josefová, 2014(Josefová, , p. 1020.…”

“…On the subject and the field of cultural diversity that goes beyond simple tolerance of the diversity or that refuses pressures for homogeneity, we face a dilemma: how to achieve social cohesion, peace and dignity in a society that is de-traditionalized, more individualized and, at the same time, globalized and with increased cultural differentiation (although closer than in previous ages)? We follow Condorelli (2018), when she addresses the differences between interculturalism and multiculturalism on posing the question of "how the recognition of cultural difference and the instance of social integration can be reconciled?" (p. 249).…”

“…For multiculturalism, the most important factor is the difference, the cultural specificity, that should be promoted, recognized and protected because it is the basis of individual and collective identity, implying differentiated citizenship (Condorelli, 2018). That entails going beyond the equal universal citizenship of rights as a way to include differentiated cultural groups and rights, rejecting "the liberal individualistic conception of the privatization of differences, in the name of universalistic principles of equality, in recognition of differences on a public and institutional level" (Condorelli, 2018, p. 253).…”

“…Moreover, it implies discussing the match or mismatch of cultures that tourism entails, as well as the measurement of cultural domination or emancipation effects that are integral dimensions in human interaction and communication. Thus, the debate on the issues of homogeneity, uniqueness and cultural diversity underlying the discussion on monoculturalism, multiculturalism and interculturalism cannot be forgotten, inasmuch that it is an unavoidable issue in understanding the web of relationships between people, communities and societies that shape our world (Claval, 2001;Condorelli, 2018;Josefová, 2014;Moufakkir, & Burns, 2012) 1 . The paper also analyzes the discourses of international organizations on the cultural issues, especially their role in the configuration of an international regime (Ruggie, 1998), and what it means in terms of institutionalized ideologies and asymmetrical interdependence between societies (Ferraz, 2008(Ferraz, , 2012.…”