Sidorova E.P. Multiculturalism as a methodological principle and scientific category in US and Canadian policy

Abstract: The author examines the theoretical foundations of multiculturalism, as well as its main concepts. The definitions of the notion “multiculturalism” and its main forms are being reviewed: relationship between the government and indigenous people; subgovernmental nationalism or nationalism of minorities; interaction with groups of immigrants. In this research multiculturalism is being analyzed through the prism of globalization; the author points out the possibility of its transformation into the stage of “creolization”, as well as describes its negative aspects that are highlighted by the successive critics of multicultural policy. It is also noted that a doctrine based on presumption of the equality of cultures can become an alternative to multicultural policy. Scientific novelty consists in determination and solution of specific tasks of the complex assessment of multiculturalism as a methodological principle and scientific category in the policy of the United State and Canada, particularly through the prism of globalization. The author gives an original vision of the existing form of multiculturalism in countries benefitting ethnical differentiation as long as it does not contradict the state interests. A comprehensive study of the works of successive critics of the multiculturalism policy is being conducted.

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