Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze multicultural education and evaluate the Turkish education system regarding the acceptance of diversity. In this era, cultural diversity and identities are given equal importance in the world. Multiculturalism gives the opportunity for each citizen to secure life styles with equal rights, grow in a world of cultural heritage and raise children in the same world without being discriminated. Multicultural education advocates that everyone should have the equal educational opportunities on the basis of gender, social class, race, ethnicity and cultural variety. As a result, it has a purpose of ensuring equal opportunities, solving problems arising from cultural conflicts, supporting students to develop empathy, introducing each other’s cultures and increasing academic success. Diversity is not yet promoted in Turkish Education system and it is one area that is lacking in the system. It is also uncertain the benefits gained by living together in the community. As the schools are responsible for shaping the future of students, it is very important for teachers to consider diversity of culture and language to enhance their academic performanace.

Key words: Multiculturalism, multicultural education, identity, diversity.