CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN ZAMBIA - Cultural Diversity-This is the existence of a variety of cultural or ethnic groups within a society. Zambia can be classified as a broadly homogeneous culture, in terms of race and religion. There are a lot of common cultural practices among the seventy – three ethnic groups in Zambia. However, there exists a variation of ethnic diversity in terms of language, traditions, race and customs that give Zambia a heterogeneous characteristic Therefore, in order to appreciate cultural diversity that exists in Zambia, we should be mindful of certain aspects that affect cultural diversity negatively. Factors That Affect Cultural Diversity 1. Stereotyping- This is a false belief about a group of people not based on facts. - It is a generalization and preconceived idea or impression of what characterizes someone or people based on hearsay and assumptions. - One may judge an individual on the basis of how one perceives the whole ethnic group. - In Zambia for example, there is stereotyping where some ethnic groups are labeled as thieves, others stingy, others are backward and others tribal. 2. Prejudice- This is the unreasonable, irrational hatred, dislike and suspicious of particular a group. - It is pre-judging or biased opinion or hostility based on race, religion, gender or ethnic groups. - It is the practice of thinking badly about someone because he or she is different from you. - Prejudice and stereotyping lead to discrimination and conflict in society. - If not checked it can lead to civil war, for example, the Rwanda genocide and Burundi civil wars. 3. Ethnocentrism- This comes from the word ethnocentric: Ethnocentrism is the belief in the superiority of one’s own culture or racial group and judging other people’s culture by its standard. - It means if other cultures are not like one’s own culture then, they are regarded as inferior and a belief that one’s way of life is best - Ethnocentrism is a form of discrimination and it is divisive. - For example, xenophobia which may lead to conflict even civil war e.g. Rwanda 1994 genocide. Cultural Relativism - This means the absence of direct and indirect discrimination and criticism in all areas of life. MIISS JERE 1 | P a g e - This is a belief that each cultural group has the right to its own culture even if the culture does not please you. It is based on the belief that each group’s way of life is logical and acceptable to that group’s response to survival issues. • Assimilation- is a situation when people from minority groups and different classes of society are accepted in major social institutions. • Amalgamation- is a process of blending minority and majority groups through social bonding such as marriage. MIISS JERE 2 | P a g e
