Educación intercultural y sociedad plural

Abstract

There is no doubt that one cause of our greater social plurality is the increasing immigration. This paper starts with a critical analysis of the negative and stereotyped view of the immigrant people, as well as the cultural racism caused by the fear that many natives may feel about immigrants as a potential threat to their own cultural identity. Then, the authors present a few pedagogical reflections and proposals about how intercultural education can �and should� achieve the social and school integration of pupils from immigrant families, as well as the normalization of their presence in everyday life. This will only be possible if the principles of equity and reciprocity are rigorously applied in practice. Finally, this paper proposes a new model of intercultural pedagogy, based in the «anthropological and ethical theory of Otherness», which would prioritize the individual over the cultural commnunity, and which implies some essential values such as an unconditional acceptance of the Other, responsible concern, genuine respect, and deference to every person regardless of his/her difference.