The term “multicultural” gained widespread use in the late 20th Century, to be replaced by “diversity.”
The terms are closely associated with (1) increases in foreign-born populations in the U.S. (2) assertive Black culture expression, (3) gender diversity and (3) trends in reaction to / adaption of these phenomena.
In 1965, the year in which the historic The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 (the Hart-Celler Act), 5% of the population was foreign born. Today, 14% is foreign born and (due to age composition) 20% of all babies have foreign born mothers. in 1965, about 85% of the population was non-Hispanic white compared to 59% in 2020, and is expected to be 47% in 2050.
1970s: With new waves of immigration from Latin America, Asia, and the Caribbean, debates around multiculturalism shifted towards language rights and acknowledgment of diverse cultural histories in education.
1980s-1990s: This period saw a sharp rise in discussions about multiculturalism. In popular culture were Spike Lee movies. In academic circles, Samuel P. Huntington wrote his book “The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order” in 1996. Arthur Schlesinger’s “The Disuniting of America” (1991) and Nathan Glazer’s “We Are All Multiculturalists Now” (1997) brought the concept to wider public attention. Pat Buchanan stated perhaps the most nationally recognized critique of cultural diversity via immigration.
Late 1990s-early 2000s: The debate intensified during the “culture wars.” The focus shifted more towards specific issues like immigration policy and affirmative action. The foreign-born population rose from 8% in 1990 and 14% in 2010. Many inland and otherwise non-traditional destinations for foreign-born persons began to see a sharp increase in foreign-born persons.
2010s-present: The term “multicultural” has become less prominent in public discourse, partly replaced by concepts like “diversity” and “inclusion,” particularly with respect to sexual practices and identity. Modern Family (2009-2020) Will & Grace (1998-2006, 2017-2020) were popular TV shows highlighting gay and gender diversity. Lawrence v. Texas (2003), United States v. Windsor (2013) and Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) were key Supreme Court decisions. JD Vance has stated positions hostile to these decisions and similar administration actions.