Abstract:

In the era of hypermodernity, marked by acceleration, fluctuation and plurality, cultural diversity has become a structural condition of contemporary global society. The article analyzes the current paradigms of cultural diversity and multicultural inclusion, highlighting the fundamental paradox of globalization: the unprecedented rapprochement of cultures through technological and migratory flows, concomitant with homogenization pressures and identity tensions.

Starting from a synthesis of the conceptual framework – from multiculturalism to intersectionality, superdiversity and critical cosmopolitanism –, the paper demonstrates the central role of intercultural education in building an inclusive society. It addresses a significant gap in the existing literature: the lack of integration of intersectional and superdiversity theoretical perspectives with concrete empirical data from higher education in Eastern Europe.

Through an exploratory empirical study conducted on a sample of 150 Romanian students from the “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad (specializations: Romanian Language and Literature – English Language and Literature, Didactic Theology, Public Administration and Journalism), the article reveals significant perceptual differences: high enthusiasm towards intercultural competences among Journalism and Public Administration students, in sharp contrast to the marked resistance of Theology students, who prioritize the adaptation of foreigners to the host culture. These findings are critically interpreted in relation to theoretical concepts, highlighting the need for targeted curricular interventions.

The paper argues that diversity – recognized by UNESCO as the “common heritage of humanity” – can be transformed from a potential source of conflict into a generative resource for human development by negotiating a new intercultural social contract.

Keywords:

Cultural diversity, multicultural inclusion, globalization, intercultural competence, intercultural education, cultural identity, higher education.