What is 'monoculturalism' and what does it look like in practice?

Australian politician Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, has ignited debate by advocating for Australia to abandon multiculturalism in favor of "monoculturalism." Speaking at the National Press Club, Hanson declared, "We are a multiracial society, but we must be monocultural." This stance has prompted observers to question the practical implications and definition of such a policy for Australia.

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We are a multiracial society, but we must be monocultural

Journalist Fotis Kapetopoulos, writing in the Greek community newspaper Neos Kosmos, expressed concern over Hanson's call for assimilation, asking, "But assimilation to what, exactly?" He further questioned the specific cultural framework Hanson envisions, stating, "She says all Australians must live 'under one cultural umbrella', but whose umbrella?"

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But assimilation to what, exactly?

Alan Gamlen, director of the Australian National University's Migration Hub, described "monoculturalism" as the theoretical idea that everyone adheres to a uniform set of norms and rules, encompassing aspects like diet, dress, religion, and language. However, Gamlen asserted that "monoculturalism is a fiction... All societies have differences in them." He noted that while some nations strive to appear homogenous, the nature and tolerance of existing differences are key considerations.

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She says all Australians must live 'under one cultural umbrella', but whose umbrella?

Hanson specifically objected to Australia's high number of overseas-born residents and the prevalence of languages other than English spoken at home. She also appeared to express opposition to religious diversity, suggesting migrants should adopt a "Judeo-Christian" perspective. The specifics of how Hanson plans to achieve this "monocultural" state remain unclear, leaving many to wonder what aspects of Australian culture would need to be relinquished for assimilation into her proposed model.

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monoculturalism is a fiction … All societies have differences in them