Reconstructing Pluralism and Multiculturalism: An Integrative Systematic Study through Multilayered Recognition & Justice Framework
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67718/ajei.v4i1.84Keywords:
Diversity Policy, MRJF, Multiculturalism, Pluralism, SLRAbstract
Despite intensive debates between collective-identity multiculturalism and interaction-focused interculturalism, contemporary literature lacks an applicable theoretical model that systematically bridges the divide between symbolic cultural recognition and structural, policy-based justice. To address this research gap, this study develops a novel conceptual model named the Multilayered Recognition & Justice Framework (MRJF). Utilizing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) guided by PRISMA 2020, we screened 138 Scopus-indexed articles (2020–2025), yielding 32 core papers for qualitative thematic synthesis. The synthesis process mapped these articles into four interconnected dimensions intercultural dialogue (relational software), symbolic recognition (dignity legitimacy), structural justice (resource distribution), and political representation (policy sustainability) which were then integrated to construct the layered operational structure of the MRJF. Unlike existing fragmented models that focus on single-aspect diversity management, the novelty of the MRJF lies in its capacity to treat these four dimensions as a mutually reinforcing, cohesive policy continuum. Concluding this analysis, this study offers a significant theoretical contribution to the literature on pluralism and multiculturalism by transcending the traditional multicultural-intercultural dichotomy, providing scholars and policymakers with a transformative, dual-layered (hardware and software) evaluative instrument to design highly inclusive, resilient social and educational spaces.
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