Pluralism: An Introduction

Tags: Knowledge programme

In many places around the world, people are faced with the growth of intolerance. In several countries where Hivos works, partners in civil society signal a rise of fundamentalisms rooted in religion, ethnic affiliation, nationalism, social class or other value systems. These identities are a central part of who we are. However, where belief or value systems become absolute – leaving no room to alternative interpretations – and are imposed on others, we speak of ‘fundamentalism’. Women, gay and lesbian people and people living with HIV/Aids are among the first victims of fundamentalism.
Pluralism in Hivos’ view is accepting diversity and engaging with the other. It means accepting the rights of others, the right to design one’s life, the right to be different. Promoting pluralism does not mean prescribing any specific way of organising society or a political system – it means opening spaces for dialogue and human equality.