The Search for Some General Psychological Principles for Improving Intercultural Living in Plural Societies

Abstract

The dramatic increase of intercultural encounters that have resulted from international migration and globalisation has presented challenges for societies, their institutions and their residents. The assumption is usually made that most culturally plural societies and their members seek to engage in positive encounters, rather than having conflictual ones. There are many factors (political, economic and historical) that can promote or limit the attainment of this goal of positive intercultural relations. Beyond these societal-level factors, another set of factors are psychological; these are based on the presence of some shared underlying psychological processes that enable mutual understanding and acceptance. For over 50 years, I have searched for some of these shared psychological principles, guided by some assertions contained in the Canadian policy of multiculturalism. These assertions are the promotion of: feelings of security in a group’s and a person’s place in the society; the presence of social contacts that are mutually respectful; and the existence of multiple identities and ways of living in the diverse population. This article reviews the evidence for these principles, using data from Canadian and international studies. I conclude that this psychological research has provided support for these general principles that are derived from public policy. As a result, they are ripe for possible use in many plural societies now seeking ways to manage and improve their intercultural relations. The journey has been from policy to research, and back to policy formulation and implementation.