Lesson video

Hello, my name's Mrs. Hastings.

Welcome to today's citizenship lesson.

It comes on the unit, "How is UK society diverse and changing?" And it's titled, "Can a changing and diverse society lead to unity?" So we're gonna have lots of discussions about that question.

And I'm going to take you through the learning cycles in today's lesson.

I hope you enjoy it and good luck.

Let's get started.

So the outcome for today's lesson is that you'll be able to explain how diverse and integration may unite society and evaluate their challenges and benefits.

So some important ground rules I'm going to go through with you now due to the nature of this topic.

As Laura says, "Listen to others.

It is okay to disagree with each other, but we should listen properly before making assumptions or deciding how to respond.

When disagreeing, challenge the statement, not the person." Andeep says, "Respect privacy.

We can discuss examples, but do not use names or descriptions that identify anyone, including ourselves." Izzy says, "Choose level of participation.

Everyone has the right to choose not to answer a question or join discussion.

We never put anyone on the spot." And lastly, Jacob says, "No judgement.

We can explore beliefs and misunderstandings about a topic without fear of being judged." So the key words for today's lesson are diversity, when a group has people with different backgrounds and experiences.

This can be differences in nationality, ethnicity, culture, religion, language, identity, interests, skills and perspectives.

Multicultural, a society or community made up of several cultural or ethnic groups.

And multiculturalism, this is the idea or belief that individuals or groups with different ethnicities, cultures, and religions can coexist peacefully and respect each other.

Unity, come together as one, despite differences to achieve a common goal or purpose, creating a sense of belonging and shared identity in a community while valuing diversity, respect, and shared values.

And integration, the process of bringing diverse people, groups, or ideas together to live and work alongside each other.

So there are two parts to our learning journey today.

The first learning cycle is, what does it mean to be diverse and united? And the second learning cycle is, does diversity and integration create unity? So let's get started with our first learning cycle, what does it mean to be diverse and united? Andeep asked the question, "What do we mean by diversity?" Can you discuss that question with your learning partner now? So diversity means living in a society where people have many different experiences and identities.

This can include different nationalities and ethnicities, different cultures, languages, religions and beliefs, different values, customs and traditions, and different interests, skills and perspectives.

So if we have a diverse society, we have people living in it with all of those different things, or some of those different things.

When many cultural and ethnic groups live in the same society, this is called a multicultural society.

Now, it's really important to define and determine that multicultural society is not the same as multiculturalism.

Multiculturalism is an idea or belief that different cultures can live together peacefully, and that cultural differences should be respected and celebrated.

So multiculturalism is the belief or policy that supports being multicultural.

It's really an ideology and an idea that countries or governments in the state will actually put into action to ensure that in a multicultural society, those different cultures are living together peacefully, and those differences are respected and celebrated.

So they will come up with policies that support that multiculturalism.

So a simple analogy to explain it maybe a little bit more easily is the difference between multicultural and multiculturalism is like a cake.

So a multicultural would be a cake made from many different ingredients.

So you have flour, you have sugar, you have eggs.

Multiculturalism is the idea that all of these ingredients are needed to make the cake better.

If you had one of those elements missing, then the cake wouldn't be very nice.

So that's what we mean by multiculturalism is that even if you've got all these diverse elements in a multicultural society, it's bringing those together to make society better and unified.

So Izzy asked the question, "What does a multicultural society need for multiculturalism to work well?" Have a think about what might be the ingredients we need to bring together a multicultural society and make it work well and better.

Have a conversation with your learning partner about that question.

So in your discussions, you may have come up with the following examples, recognition of identity, mutual understanding, respect, and tolerance.

And you might notice that those are to do with British values.

Celebration and promotion of diversity, so celebrating different cultures, celebrating specific cultural events, maybe religious events, things like the Notting Hill Carnival as well, and promoting that diversity.

It's a really good thing.

Community cohesion, bringing people together, and protection of rights.

So let's check our understanding so far.

Can you match the correct term to the definition? So A, multicultural, B, multiculturalism, and the definitions are number one, several cultural and ethnic groups within a society.

And number two, an idea or belief that different cultures can live together peacefully.

So match the correct term to the definition.

So multicultural means several cultural and ethnic groups within a society.

And multiculturalism is an idea or belief that different cultures can live peacefully together.

So well done if you match those terms and definitions correctly.

So Lucas asks the question, "What does it mean to be united?" Again, discuss that question with your learning partner now.

So you might have to discuss a following.

Being united in a diverse society means that even though people may have different backgrounds, cultures, religions, languages and lifestyles, they still work together, support each other, and feel like part of the same community.

And this helps to create a sense of community cohesion, community togetherness, working together.

So in order for us to have unity, the state of being united or joined as a whole, we have diversity.

We have integration into those communities, meaning that we have then community cohesion, coming together and bringing it all together to be a united multicultural society, so having that multiculturalism.

There are different ways people try to build unity in a diverse society.

One way of creating unity in a diverse society is through integration.

Integration means people their traditional identity, like language, religion and traditions, while becoming part of a wider society.

And this really supports the idea of multiculturalism.

So everyone, this idea of integration is that everyone follows the same laws and the same values of the country they live in.

But they are also free to express their own identities, the identities that they carry.

For example, in the UK, the Human Rights Act 1998 allows for freedom of thought, belief and religion.

We see this in many organisations celebrating cultural and religious events, like Diwali, Eid, or the Lunar New Year.

Now, even though Britain is a society based on Christian values and Christian, the Christian religion, historically, because we have a multicultural society now, we celebrate these wider religious events and these cultural events.

Another way some diverse societies try to create unity is through something called assimilation.

Now, assimilation means that people have to adopt the culture, language, and customs of the wider society.

This can include using the national language more often and following common social practises.

Now, the thing with this approach is it focuses less on multiculturalism, as it encourages adopting the main culture instead of maintaining separate cultural traditions.

For example, in some countries, there've been rules banning religious clothing, like the hijab or burka, meaning that people who follow the Muslim faith and women who follow the Muslim faith are expected to go out in society not wearing the religious clothing associated with their religion.

So they're having to assimilate into that society.

So let's check our understanding.

What approach to unity is Yun describing? "People can keep their own beliefs, religions, and traditions while also taking part in the wider society, like following its laws, working, or going to school.

This helps support a multicultural society where different communities live together respectfully." So is he describing integration or assimilation? So Jun is describing integration as a way to achieving multiculturalism.

Sam seems confused about the meaning of some terms. She says, "Diversity means having lots of different cultures and backgrounds in one society.

Multiculturalism is when all these cultures live together peacefully, but don't really mix or share much.

Integration means people come together and share the same culture, but still keep some of their own traditions.

Assimilation is when people just live separately, but follow the country's rules." I'd like you to write an explanation to help Sam which explains the terms unity, diversity, multiculturalism, integration, and assimilation.

In your explanation, show how these ideas are connected.

Please, can you pause the video whilst you complete that task.

So well done for completing that task.

I asked you to write an explanation to help Sam which explains the terms unity, diversity, multiculturalism, integration, and assimilation.

In your explanation, show how these ideas are connected.

Your answer could look like this.

Diversity means having many different kinds of people in one society.

For example, people of different cultures, religions, languages and backgrounds.

Multiculturalism is the idea or belief that these diverse people can live together peacefully and respect each other, creating unity where everyone feels included and connected.

Your answer could continue, there are different approaches to unity.

One way is through integration, when people keep their own cultural identity, for example, speaking their chosen language or celebrating their own traditions, but also become part of the wider society or community that they are living in by sharing common values.

On the other hand, assimilation is when people are expected to adopt the culture of the country or community that they live in, for example, by only speaking the most commonly used language of that country.

So well done for completing that task, the first task of today's lesson.

So let's go on to our second learning cycle today, does diversity and integration create unity? Jacob asked the question, "What are the benefits of diversity for society?" Can you think about his question and discuss it with your learning partner, please? So you may have discussed the following benefits.

Benefits could include diversity brings fresh perspectives, creativity and new ways of thinking.

Diversity makes life more interesting with different foods, music, festivals and traditions to enjoy.

Imagine if we all just ate the same foods the whole time.

That would be quite boring, wouldn't it? So it's lovely to explore new and different foods, for example, different music, different festivals.

Living with people from diverse cultures helps us to understand and respect each other.

This might help reduce discrimination, racism, and prejudice.

Alex asked the question, "In a diverse community, how can integration help create unity?" That's a really interesting question.

I wonder if you could please speak to a learning partner about that question.

So you might have come up with a following.

Examples of how this can happen include respect and belonging.

When people keep their cultural identity and still feel included, they feel respected and more likely to contribute positively.

They want to be involved in that community.

This leads to stronger communities.

Diversity brings new ideas, new food, languages and traditions.

Integration helps build shared values, like equality and freedom.

Shared goals, people do not have to be the same to work together.

Shared goals, like safety, education, and employment, can unite people from all backgrounds.

We're gonna have a look at a case study now of how integration has worked really, really well.

So the case study is of the city Leicester, in the middle of the UK.

And it's one of the UK's most ethnically diverse cities.

It is often referred to as a model of integration.

The 2021 census showed that there was no ethnic group majority living there.

So that means there was no one dominant ethnic group of, who made up 50% or more of the population.

Every ethnicity was under 50% at least.

So how have they integrated? Integration in action, schools promote multicultural education and teach shared British values.

The city council supports faith groups, intercultural dialogue, and inclusive events, like the Leicester Diwali Festival, the Caribbean Carnival, and Holocaust Memorial Day.

Each of those events celebrating a, or remembering a different specific culture or religion.

Leicester's integrated care strategy shows how local organisations work together to improve health, reduce inequalities, and support community wellbeing across the region.

And Reaching People unites over 35 local charities to tackle poverty and inequality through partnership, shared resources, and community-focused support across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.

And police and community leaders work together to promote safety and understanding.

So all of that integration brings multiculturalism and creates a cohesive community.

So what impact is this having? Leicester has been praised for its strong sense of unity and community cohesion.

Many residents speak positively about living in Leicester, and feel proud of living in a multicultural city.

One example is Norborough Road, a diverse street which is home to businesses run by people from over 22 countries, showing how diversity and migration could create thriving, inclusive communities.

This shows how integration policies, when done well, can lead to a peaceful, united and vibrant society.

So let's check our understanding.

What are the benefits of diversity for society? I'd like you to tick the correct answers.

A, people from different backgrounds bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and new ways of thinking.

B, diversity leads to everyone having the same culture, beliefs, and traditions.

C, living with people from diverse cultures helps us to understand and respect each other.

And D, diversity makes life more interesting, with different foods, music, festivals, and traditions to enjoy.

So which of those are the benefits of diversity for society? So the correct answers are A, C, and D.

So well done if you correctly identified those.

Sophia's a little bit worried.

She says, "That all sounds great, but are there also challenges of diversity for society?" Think about that question and have a conversation with your learning partner now.

So challenges might include people may struggle to understand each other, especially if they speak different languages.

If people do not learn about or understand each other's cultures, it could sometimes cause misunderstandings or tensions between groups.

And different cultural values, beliefs, and lifestyles might sometimes seem to conflict with shared national values, like freedom of speech or equality.

Even with integration strategies in place, creating unity in society can be really challenging.

For example, sometimes people have different ways of seeing things, which can make it hard to agree on what unity means.

Social divisions can still occur.

For example, language barriers or cultural misunderstandings can separate groups and reduce trust.

And us versus them mentality can develop when integration is not successful.

Some people may feel others are not adapting and believe that unity means everyone must be the same.

But unity doesn't mean that.

So we're gonna have a look at another case study now where perhaps diversity and integration hasn't really created unity.

And that's in a case study of Oldham, where there were racial tensions.

And this impacted community relations.

So in 2001, Oldham, a town in Greater Manchester, experienced several days of serious unrest and rioting involving groups from different ethnic backgrounds.

The riots were violent, including the use of petrol bombs, bricks, and bottles.

Over 20 members of the public were injured and hundreds of arrests were made.

The events drew national attention, with similar instances of unrest taking place in other towns, including Bradford and Burnley.

Both towns where there is multicultural groups, different multicultural groups, and maybe where community cohesiveness wasn't quite as successful as it had been in Leicester.

In response, the government asked an independent team led by Professor Ted Cantle to investigate what had caused the unrest and how to prevent it from happening again.

The Cantle report, 2001, findings included, many communities seem to be living parallel lives, meaning that people from different backgrounds had little contact with each other.

And if there's little contact with each other, then it can breed prejudice and discrimination because they don't really understand each other and their different ethnic groups.

They often lived in separate areas, went to different schools, and had few opportunities to mix.

So very hard to bring about any kind of community cohesion.

This lack of contact led to misunderstanding, fear, and even conflict, especially if stirred up by extremist groups, groups with more extreme and radical views.

In some areas, there were concerns about drug-related crime and certain places being seen as unsafe or no-go zones.

The report also criticised media outlets for publishing stories that could increase tension between communities.

The Cantor report made 67 practical suggestions.

Now, I'm not gonna go through all 67 with you, but they did include creating more chances for people of different backgrounds to meet and learn together, especially young people, encouraging all schools, including single-faith schools, to include at least 25% of pupils from different backgrounds.

So this would support multiculturalism.

Promoting a shared idea citizenship so that everyone feels part of the same society, regardless of background.

So that might include things like the British values.

Supporting community policing to build trust and reduce crime.

So Oldham has taken steps to improve community relationships.

For example, Waterhead Academy, which is a school was created by merging two previously separate schools to encourage integration.

Local charities and volunteers began doing diversity workshops in schools and community spaces.

Events and activities were organised to help people from different backgrounds connect.

The Oldham case study highlights how a lack of integration can contribute to division and the importance of shared spaces, equal access, and communication in supporting a more cohesive society.

So let's check our understanding of what we've been learning.

Complete these sentences.

Number one, in 2001, serious unrest broke out in where, involving groups from different backgrounds.

Number two, the Cantle Report said many communities were living, what lives, meaning they had little contact with each other.

Number three, a lack of what between communities led to misunderstanding and fear.

And number four, to encourage integration, Oldham created what Academy by merging two previously separate schools.

So number one, in 2001, serious unrest broke out in Oldham involving groups from different backgrounds.

Number two, the Cantle Reports said many communities were living parallel lives, meaning they had little contact with each other.

Number three, a lack of integration between communities led to misunderstanding and fear.

And number four, to encourage integration, Oldham created Waterhead Academy by merging two previously separate schools.

Well done if you got those words right.

So let's put our learning into practise now.

I'd like you to think about this question.

Can diversity and integration create unity? I'd like you to write a balanced answer to this question using the following criteria.

Firstly, explain what it means for a society to be united.

Secondly, explain the benefits and challenges of creating unity in diverse societies, like the UK.

And lastly, use examples to support your explanations.

So pause the video whilst you complete this task.

Well done for completing that task.

So I asked you to think about the question, can diversity and integration create unity, and to write a balanced answer to that question.

So your answer may look something like this and could include the UK is a multicultural and diverse society, meaning people from many different cultures, religions, and backgrounds live together.

Diversity brings benefits, like fresh ideas, different foods, music and traditions, and can help people understand and respect each other more.

Integration means helping people from different backgrounds feel included in society while still keeping parts of their own identity.

When this happens successfully, it can lead to unity, where people trust each other, feel a sense of belonging, and work together for shared goals, like safety and education.

Your answer could continue, one good example is Leicester.

It is known as a model of integration because people from diverse groups live together there peacefully.

The city council supports faith groups, holds intercultural events, like the Diwali Festival and Caribbean Carnival, and schools teach shared British values.

Local organisations, like the Reaching People group, work together to reduce poverty and improve health, showing how partnership helps build a strong, united community.

Your answer could further continue, however, integration can be challenging.

The case of Oldham shows some of the problems that can arise when communities have little, limited contact with each other.

In 2001, serious riots occurred partly because different groups had little opportunity to mix or understand one another.

The subsequent Cantle Report found that people often lived in separate areas, attended different schools and rarely interacted, which contributed to fear and tension.

Since then, leaders in Oldham have taken steps, like merging schools and organising community events, to encourage more interaction.

This example highlights the importance of shared spaces, equal opportunities, and open communication in building unity.

So well done for completing that task.

So in summary for today's lesson, can a changing and diverse society lead to unity, diversity means having various cultures and traditions living together, creating multicultural communities with people from different ethnic backgrounds.

Multiculturalism is the policy that supports these diverse societies.

Unity in diverse communities means everyone feels included and shares a sense of belonging.

Two approaches to building unity are integration, mixing and sharing while keeping your identity, and assimilation, adapting fully to the majority culture.

There are many benefits to diversity, like creativity, shared values, and stronger communities, but also challenges, such as misunderstandings, social division, or clashing values.

Well done for completing today's lesson.

I hope you enjoyed it and that you've learned a lot today.

And I hope see you again soon.

Goodbye.