WHAT IS ETHNIC DIVERSITY? (WITH EXAMPLES) - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The ethnic diversity is the coexistence of the various races that exist around the world and differ in skin color, language or customs. There are many peoples or ethnic groups throughout the world that have their own traditions, customs, languages, etc.

We must distinguish the main terms within cultural or ethnic diversity. Diversity is the term that refers to the plurality of elements in a certain area. Culture is the set of characteristics that allow the distinction of a society in relation to material, spiritual, emotional and intellectual aspects.

Finally, ethnic groups are human communities that have a cultural affinity as a common point and make the members of the same feel integrated.

Ethnic and cultural variety is the variety of different cultures within a group of people or region. The plurality of ethnic groups represents a cultural value of the country. For example, in the area of ​​South America, there are a large number of ethnic groups that come from the indigenous people, so many languages ​​and customs coexist together.

What traits distinguish ethnic groups?

The main features that distinguish ethnic groups are skin color, language and religion, but we can also include social structure, diet, music, art…

Collectively, any trait attributable to human culture can be a distinctive trait of different ethnicities or cultures.

We can define the concept of interculturality as the interaction of two or more cultures in a synergistic way. With this concept, we consider ourselves in a situation in which none of the existing cultures is hierarchically situated above another. This favors the integration of cultures and is part of the human heritage.

There are government agencies in charge of protecting cultural diversity, the most important of which is UNESCO. This has a tendency towards cultural uniformity, that is why in 2001 a treaty on the protection of Cultural Diversity was signed.

Cultural diversity and ethnicities

Cultural diversity is considered as the force of sustainable development, for an intellectual and moral complement, and not to be based only on economic growth.

Culture is an essential part of society, and the recognition of different cultures and the value attached to them helps to promote the interculturality of society.

The cultural identity of each one of the existing ethnic groups in the world is the affirmation and connection with reality. Identity is part of culture and gives it meaning and shape.

For many groups, cultural identity is reaffirmed as opposition to the globalization and homogenization that society is undergoing on a global scale.

In many parts of the world, the knot of cultures that coexist causes conflicts and identity misunderstandings.

At this point, we can talk about multiculturalism. This implies the coexistence of several cultures in one place. And within this term, we can consider the person of another ethnic group as different, but not necessarily inferior.

Throughout history we have seen how many societies have forced another culture to disappear, either through direct ethnocide or in less violent ways.

The existence of an intercultural society leads to consider the coexistence between individuals in a society, recognizing the other as different without the need to separate them, but rather seeks cooperation, understanding and respect from all cultures.

Examples of ethnic diversity in the world

Throughout the area of ​​South America and the Hispanic-American countries, a large number of cultures and ethnic groups coexist, so there is a great ethnic diversity.

There are people of indigenous origin, but also of European, African or Asian origin. Depending on the country in which we are, there are differences regarding the ethnic diversity of the country.

There are many countries in which ethnic groups have united and produced a mixed race, such as people who have European blood along with indigenous, African or Asian blood.

Caribbean and Mexico

In areas like the Caribbean, most of the population has European or African blood. In contrast to Mexico, which has a majority of indigenous and European blood. This ethnic diversity is reflected in the physical characteristics of the population.

Argentina

For example in Argentina, the European ancestry of the population is evident. 85% of the population is of European origin, mainly Italian, and the other 15% comes from indigenous blood.

Colombia

Colombia is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. Thanks to its geographical location, it is on the threshold of interculturality.

There are up to 84 indigenous ethnic groups and 3 large differentiated groups of the population. Indigenous ethnic groups are located and predominate above all in rural areas, with the highest index in Guajira, Putumayo and Amazonas.

The descendant population of African ethnicity makes up just over 10% of the total national population. We also find people of gypsy ethnicity, reaching up to a population of 5,000 people.

Colombia considers that the plurality of ethnic groups represents a reason for national pride. The richness of the intangible culture in Colombia is high thanks to the number of Amerindian and Creole languages, such as Bandé, Palenquero and Romani.

Ecuador

In Ecuador about 80% of the population is mestizo. Up to 13 indigenous nationalities are recognized, among which we find the Chachi, Tsáchila, Amazonian Quichuas, Awa, Epera…

Only in the Amazon Region of this country there are nine recognized native languages. Arriving until 13 in the whole country. The Zápara language has also been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Peru

In Peru there are up to 76 ethnic groups that coexist in its territory, where we find mixtures of Andean cultures throughout the Andes region, which continue to maintain their customs and culture over the years, including many tribes in which it seems that the global presence of society has not yet arrived.

References

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