Biculturalism and cultural diversity

A comparison of approaches to biculturalism in New Zealand and cultural diversity in the UK reveals that both countries use policy in ways that are aspirational and prescriptive rather than merely supportive of cultural practice. Hybrid culture, producing influential and acclaimed work in the field, is largely ignored in policy in favour of support for distinct minorities. The reasons for this are explored through a brief comparative survey of the history, development and current political purpose of cultural policy in both countries, and contrasts are made with current cultural practice and with the social and economic status of minorities in each country.