A Contribution to Economic Growth in Culturally Diverse Nations

Abstract

In Webster’s Dictionary, ‘diverse’ is defined as ‘the state or quality of being different or varied; a point of difference; property of being numerically different; condition capable of having various traits composed of unlike or distinct elements’. The term ‘cultural diversity’ used here describes a wide range of ethnic, linguistic, religious and other cultural groupings. It is generally assumed that while all persons share some traits with all others, all persons also share other traits with only some others, and all persons have still other traits which they share with no one else. Following this assumption, each person may be described in three ways: via the universal characteristics of the species; the sets of characteristics that define that person as a member of a group; and the person’s idiosyncratic characteristics. Diversity also sometimes implies clashes of values, goals and interests, which can lead to highly conflictual debates, anger, frustration, mistrust and hostility. When attempting dialogue in a conflict situation, the experience might be negative, discourage people from further interaction, and increase mistrust.

Mankind were one community, and Allah sent (unto them) prophets as bearers of good tidings and as warners, and revealed therewith the Scripture with the truth that it might judge between mankind concerning that wherein they differed. And only those unto whom (the Scripture) was given differed concerning it, after clear proofs had come unto them, through hatred one of another. And Allah by His Will guided those who believe unto the truth of that concerning which they differed.

(Al-Baqarah, 2:213)