A definition of culture (as difficult as it may be) represents an essential prerequisite in order to fully understand the meaning of the above-mentioned key concepts. As stated in the
PISA Report 2018, “Culture is difficult to define because cultural groups are always internally heterogeneous and contain individuals who adhere to a range of diverse beliefs and practices. Furthermore, the core cultural beliefs and practices that are most typically associated with any given group are also constantly changing and evolving over time”. However, distinctions may be drawn between the material (e.g., tools, foods, clothing), social (e.g., language, communicative conventions, folklore, religion) and subjective aspects of culture. “Culture is a composite of all three of these aspects, consisting of a network of material, social and subjective resources.”
The Council of Europe has been working since 2008 in order to foster positive and constructive attitudes and behaviours towards cultural diversity by promoting a new approach called inter-culturalism. In 2008, the Council of Europe published the
White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue “Living Together As Equals in Dignity”, a document which argues that in culturally diverse societies, tolerance, respect and pluralism are vital since they permit the genuine recognition of diverse cultural traditions, ethnic and cultural identities and religious beliefs, and, consequently, they are the basis for a harmonious interaction between people. In the White Paper intercultural dialogue is understood as a process that comprises “an open and respectful exchange of views between individuals and groups with different ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds and heritage on the basis of mutual understanding and respect” (ib... 10).
From this perspective, intercultural dialogue can be effective for reducing prejudice and promoting social inclusion, as it is based on both rational and emotional intelligence.
