ETHNIC

COHESION AND
SOCIAL
HARMONY
◦ What is Ethnic Cohesion?

◦ What is Social Harmony?

◦ Why is studying this important?

 George Floyd Incident 2020
◦ On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, an African American man was killed
in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest. Derek Chauvin, a white police
officer, knelt on Floyd's neck while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down,
begging for his life and repeatedly saying "I can't breathe". Officers J. Alexander
Kueng and Thomas Lane further restrained Floyd, while officer Tou Thao
prevented bystanders from intervening. During the final three minutes Floyd was
motionless and had no pulse. Chauvin ignored onlookers' pleas to remove his
knee, and only did it after the medics told him.

◦ The following day, after videos made by witnesses and security cameras
became public all four officers were fired. Two autopsies found Floyd's death to
be a homicide. Chauvin was initially charged with third-degree murder and
second-degree manslaughter, to which was later added second-degree
murder; the three other officers were charged with aiding and abetting second-
degree murder.

◦ Floyd's death triggered demonstrations and protests in over 2,000 U.S. cities and
around the world against police brutality, police racism, and lack of police
accountability.

◦ Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_George_Floyd
George Floyd Protests 2020
Systemic
Racism
◦ The concept which looks at
how racism operates over all
of society, not just in one-on-
one interactions.
◦ Racism is embedded as
normal practice within society
or an organization and
contributes to discrimination
of a particular community.
◦ https://www.facebook.com/
NowThisPolitics/videos/274558
9452330472
Social Cohesion
◦ Promoting social cohesion can be most difficult to achieve in multicultural
societies yet it is very important to develop policies to achieve social cohesion.
Social cohesion is a condition which influence in determining economic and
social development in the country.
◦ Social cohesion is not a contemporary construct but is rooted in a long history of
◦ theoretical debates on the question what constitutes social order in a society
and why it can
◦ be maintained even in times of social changes (Green and Janmaat 2011;
Green et al.
◦ 2009).
◦ Emile Durkheim (1893), promoted the idea of society as an integrated system
with shared principles and values and emphasized the role of solidarism. Social
cohesion is not a by-product of individual behavior but rather based on
solidarity, shared loyalties, cooperation and mutual action
◦ Twentieth century sociology addressed, among others, the topic
of social integration. Social cohesion is present when individuals
and groups with different cultures, values, beliefs, lifestyles, and
socio-economic resources have equal access to all domainsof
societal life and live together without conflict (e.g., Gough and
Olofsson 1999; Lockwood 1999).
◦ Early studies also formed about individual integration as well as
institutional makers. One of the most prominent recent
frameworks was developed by the Canadian Policy Research
Networks (Jenson 1998), which suggested five dimensions of
social cohesion:
◦ (1)Belonging/isolation (i.e., shared values, collective identities in
the social entity)
◦ (2) economic inclusion/exclusion (e.g., in the labor market),
◦ (3) participation and involvement of the society’s members in
public affairs,
◦ (4) recognition versus rejection of diversity and pluralism,
◦ (5) the degree of legitimacy of societal institutions.
UNDERSTANDING
DIVERSITY AND
PLURALISM
Diversity
◦ Very briefly diversity is about ‘otherness’.

◦ Diversity is realising/feeling/recognising
that another person or community is
different from your own. If we take our
country for example there are various
communities which have identities of their
own.
◦ Diversity in a social context means
identifying that one community or society
is different from another. This difference
extends from religion, language, customs
and traditions to ethnicity, race, gender
and colour.

◦ Is diversity a new concept? Even though

we identify Diversity as a new political
concept, diversity is nothing new. When
people encountered people from other
geographies (especially in the age of
discovery) they experienced diversity.

◦ Why should we understand diversity?

◦ It helps us to expand our perception of
other racial and ethnic groups, gender
awareness and appreciation of the
value of a diverse population and work
forces.
◦ We become more accepting of ‘others’
and less stereotypical .
◦ It is not enough only to understand this difference. We must try to
accept this difference and learn to treat this difference with
respect.
◦ We need to have an open mind to understand the difference
between our community and other communities. Then we must
develop an accommodating mind to accept this difference.
◦ Diversity gains full meaning only when we respect this difference.
◦ How do we respect the difference? One of the core values of
democracy is respecting the minority points of view. Likewise by
respecting differences between and among communities we
accommodate diversity of the society.
Scholars have come up with two main theories to understand diversity as a political

Concept

Melting Pot Salad Bowl

 Melting Pot Salad Bowl
◦ Diverse ethnic and religious groups ◦ Diverse ethnic, religious and community
integrates and assimilates into one broad groups live together in harmony.
national identity. It is an instance where
communal identities are dissolved to ◦ Under this communal identities are
achieve a greater national identity. preserved while greater national
identity is appreciated.
◦ ‘Melting pot’ is a metaphor for a
heterogeneous society becoming a more ◦ Each culture keeps its distinct qualities
homogenous society by different elements while living in harmony. It is a unique
melting to form a harmonious whole with a mixture of unity in diversity.
common identity and culture.
◦ Ex: south Asia - a collection of
◦ The concept of ‘melting pot’ gained
communities with diverse cultures,
currency at the start of the twentieth
century in relation to massive immigration languages, religions and customs that
from Eastern and Southern Europe in to co-exist in the Indian sub continent.
America. The message of the melting pot
concept is - wherever you come from
(either from Europe, China or India) you are
embraced by an American identity by the
state. This is essentially an ideological
project that the American constitution
makes provisions for by putting forward the
concept of citizenship.
◦ Criticizing the ‘melting pot’ concept in the
West a group of scholars have come up
with the ‘salad bowl’ concept to
understand social diversity in the East.
Pluralism
◦ Similar to diversity, ‘pluralism’ is also not a new phenomenon.
◦ Pluralistic ideas are about embracing more than one group of people,
ideas, or religions.
◦ In short, pluralism is the acknowledgement of diversity.
◦ Isaiah Berlin speak of pluralism as an umbrella term for a host of ‘‐isms’
which have, historically, stood opposed to monism.
◦ A pluralistic society is a diverse one, where the people in it believe all
kinds of different things and tolerate each other’s beliefs even when
they don’t match their own.
 Diversity and Pluralism
◦ Both these concepts talk about difference, variety or a form of un-similarity.
◦ Thus mutual respect and tolerance are two values that are essential for better functioning of
diversity and pluralism.

◦ If we think of these two concepts in a chronological manner, first people encounter diversity
of cultures, languages, dress and manners of ‘the other’. At first this encounter would be
astonishing and amusing, but later it becomes enlightening when people start to
accommodate and adapt themselves according to ‘the other’.
◦ The next stage would be to look at the larger picture by incorporating this diversity or
otherness into the democratic principle of pluralism. In other words, the encounter of
diversity becomes a part of political thought by tolerating and accepting numerous ways
people think, believe, express their ideas and consumption patterns.
◦ So Diversity and Pluralism are two concepts which are like two sides of the same coin. An
understanding of these two concepts is imperative to avoid conflicts in a society and build
peace, trust and harmony among communities.
◦ Diversity and pluralism are essential components of democracy. Having diverse and plural
view points represents the richness of the society which comes out only when people learn
to tolerate, respect and live with these diverse and plural communities and societies.

◦ It is not enough understanding pluralism or diversity as a concept, but one needs to equip
with other tools such as tolerance, respect for others and integrity to capture the full
meaning of pluralism. Eg: sandakadapahana (moon stone) in the Polonnaruwa era. The
cow- a sacred animal of Hindu devotees was omitted from the sandakadapahana in the
Polonnaruwa era as a respect for Hindu religion. This could be seen as an act done to
strengthen the integration process – as an attempt to effectively integrate Hindu devotees
to the larger society.
Diversity and Pluralism in
Democratic Societies
◦ Diversity and pluralism are essential concepts to understand
democratic societies. Because, in democratic societies you have to
respect the view of the minority.
◦ As stated above, the minority communities are diverse in their religious,
cultural and social practices and interests. These may be different from
that of the majority. Minority communities represent diversity in a
society. By respecting the view of the minority we acknowledge
diversity in the society.
◦ Different view point and interest of minority communities add richness
to the society which represents the plurality of the society.
◦ Plurality should be accommodated by providing space for alternative
ideas. Then it becomes a democratic and a just society where
intellectual and innovative ideas will flourish.
DEMOCRATIC VALUES IN A
HETEROGENEOUS SOCIETY
A Democratic Political System
◦ A democratic political system is based on a set of principles derived
from the doctrine, or theory of democracy.
◦ Key among those principles are the following:
◦ Rulers are elected by the people, and they are answerable and
accountable to the people.
◦ People also have a right to remove their rulers in non-violent
manner, usually through elections.
◦ Political power which rulers exercise is derived from the people;
political power is not a divine right, nor is it an inheritance.
◦ People in a democratic polity are not subjects, but citizens who
bear, and are entitled to, certain rights which are inviolable.
◦ Political power has limits; and those who rule are not
empowered to transcend those limits.
◦ Political power should not be concentrated in the hands of one
person or one institution. Rather, it should be dispersed and
separated among institutions.
 Democratic Values
◦ The above principles of democracy as a political system do not exist in any society in
isolation.
◦ For a democratic political system to flourish, a society needs a democratic culture in which
its rulers, citizens and social institutions share certain other basic principles, or norms. We call
these democratic values.
◦ Democratic values are norms to be shared by all in a society where democracy as a
political system is expected to work well.
◦ some of the key democratic values are:
◦ Equality and equal rights to all.
◦ Respect for other people’s rights as much as we cherish our own rights.
◦ Respect for other people’s freedom as much as we protect our own
freedom.
◦ Commitment to consult other people’s views, before making decisions which
will affect other people.
◦ Agreement with the view of the majority, yet to have respect for the view of
the minority. Capacity to listen to arguments of other people even though
we disagree with them.
◦ Commitment to protect the right of other people to hold different views,
opinions and positions, even when we might totally disagree with them. Right
of dissent.
◦ Adherence to non-violent ways of dealing with, and managing, differences,
disputes and conflicts through dialogue.
◦ Recognition that our imposition of views and preferences on others by force,
or by violent means, is a violation of the liberty of other people.
◦ Equality: We live in a world defined by many inequalities. rich/poor.
etc. Inequalities produce and reproduce economic, political and
social inequalities and injustice. It lead to the victimizes of people.
Democracy has always been concerned with such consequences of
inequality and argued for equality to overcome them.
◦ The principle of equality begins with the assumption that all human
beings, notwithstanding their birth, lack of wealth or other
endowments, are equal, posses dignity and rights, and have equal
access to justice.
◦ Inequality between the rich and the poor should not deprive the poor
and the weak from having civil and political rights which the rich
enjoy. It should not deprive the poor from enjoying the equal
protection of the law.
◦ The principle of equality also argues that governments should take
every step possible to reduce economic, social, gender and other
inequalities that make our societies unjust and unfair.
◦ Universal Declaration of Human Rights(UDHR)

Article 1
◦ All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed
with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of
brotherhood.
Article 2
◦ Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without
distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, poli- tical or
other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no
distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, juris- dictional or international
status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be
independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

◦ Article 12 of the Sri Lankan Constitution:

◦ 12(1) All persons are equal before the law and are entitled to the equal
protection of the law.
◦ 12 (2) No citizen shall be discriminated against on the grounds of race, religion,
language, caste, sex, political opinion, place of birth or any one of such grounds.
Equality and Equity
Equality: Ensuring that
everyone has the
same opportunities
and receives the
same treatment and
support.

Equity: This is not the

same as equality, nor
is it the same as
inequality. It is simply
giving more to those
who need it, in order
to ensure that
everyone has the
same opportunities.
◦ Respect Others
◦ We respect other people’s views because it is necessary to sustain the
richness of thought of a society from which all of its members can
benefit. Also it is only when we respect other people’s views they will
listen to our views. If we do not accommodate other’s points of views,
we can hardly expect other people to tolerate what we have to say.
◦ We should respect other people’s rights and freedoms because, our
respect for the rights and freedoms of each and everybody,
individually and collectively, guarantees our own rights and freedoms
as well.
◦ We cannot expect others in society to ensure our rights, when we
don’t respect their rights. For example, I cannot enjoy my right to free
speech and my freedom of speech if I do not respect the freedom
and the right to free speech of others in society.
◦ Freedom and rights are common treasures in any society that need to
be, and can be, shared which are also indications of its development.
◦ Consult Others
◦ consulting others in making decisions can take place at various levels. It
can be within the family, within a classroom, within institutions and even
within a state. Decision-making without consulting others is a practice that
can be called ‘authoritarian’ or ‘dictatorial.’ This is not Democratic.
◦ In a democracy It encourages decision-makers to consult others who
would be affected by the decision, take their views into consideration, and
then modify the original intention. That will facilitate a better decision,
because of the participation and approval of at least the majority.
◦ Such a ‘democratic’ decision will have more chances of being accepted
and supported by others than an undemocratic decision, because all, if
not the majority, are participants to, and stakeholders of, that decision.
Since they own the decision and have a stake in its outcome, there is a
better chance of its being properly implemented.
◦ In case the decision goes wrong, then, the majority can share the burden
of its failure and collectively manage its negative consequences. That
ultimately serves the greater good of the family, the classroom, the
institution concerned, and the state.
◦ Respect the Minority
◦ We usually understand democracy as the will of the majority. In our
associations – for example, citizens’ associations, students’ unions,
trade unions, and voluntary associations – we make decisions on the
basis of the majority’s will and consent. This is a democratic value that
we all respect.
◦ However, the majority principle of democracy may, under certain
circumstances, go against the spirit of democracy itself. For example,
if the majority tries to suppress the views of the minority.
◦ We should respect the minority’s point of view, without suppressing it.
The best practice for us is to let all points of view exist, even though
they are not endorsed or accepted by the majority. Thus, the spirit of
democracy calls for the value of respecting the minority points of view.
◦ Tolerance
◦ Tolerance is our capacity and willingness to tolerate – to understand, allow,
permit, come to terms with, and live with – views, ideas, attitudes, people,
communities, religions etc., which we may not agree with, or even we may
dislike and disapprove.
◦ Tolerance is a value endorsed by many religions of the world as well.
◦ The value of tolerance arises from the recognition that the world consists
of, and constituted by, differences and diversity.
◦ In the diversity of our social life, there are invariably things we agree with
and disagree with etc.
◦ Tolerance becomes a value when we positively deal with, learn to live with
and be patient with things and people that we dislike and disagree with.
We need others also to tolerate us, our views, attitudes, actions etc., as
along as they do not harm any one.
◦ The value of tolerance does not require us to accept what we don’t like; it
merely suggests that we don’t violently reject, suppress and be hostile to
things and people we don’t like.
◦ Practicing tolerance as a value and virtue, makes our families,
neighbourhoods, nations and the world peaceful entities in which we
appreciate each other’s humanity and dignity.
◦ Right to Disagree
◦ The value of tolerance leads us to recognize another value associated
with democracy which is the right to disagree.
◦ In diverse communities there is the possibility that there are views with
which we cannot agree. As we can often observe in our families,
among our friends and neighbours, and even in the behaviour of
governments, disagreement often takes place and sometimes leads to
violence, destruction and destructive consequences.
◦ We deal with disagreements positively, constructively and creatively
by simply accepting the fact that we as well as others have the right
to disagree. In other words, in moments of severe and tense
disagreements, we can ‘agree to disagree,’ thereby avoiding
potentially destructive consequences of disagreement.
◦ Right to Dissent
◦ This is another democratic value, which derives from the right to disagree or through the
agreement to disagree.
◦ Dissent is similar to disagreement, but it is more than disagreement. It entails active
expression of disagreement and difference by word or by action.
◦ The right to dissent became a democratic value against a backdrop where in many
societies dissent was not tolerated, severely punished, even by death penalty.
◦ In many pre-democratic societies, the views of the rulers and religious authorities were
imposed on society by force. Disagreement with the ruling or dominant views were not
tolerated at all. Moreover, such political and religious dissent was severely punished.
Even in modern societies under fascism, communism, and authoritarianism, dissent is a
punishable offence.
◦ One key feature of modern democracies is the existence of the space for dissent. That is
the freedom and opportunity for active expression of political, ideological or religious
disagreement by words and deeds.
◦ Dissent is important as a democratic value because it allows the society’s plurality to exist
and express itself. For plurality to exist, there should be space for alternatives to the ruling
and dominant ideas. Such alternatives should exist, and be expressed, in the public
space. For example, among university students, there are invariably many political and
other points of view. If we expect only the official, government view or view of the
dominant political group to exist, and any dissent is suppressed, it will result in pauperizing
the entire social and intellectual life of the university.
Contact Details:
Nelum Uttamadasa
Department of Social Studies- Open University Sri Lanka
Email: nelumur@gmail.com