This book contributes to the debate between proponents of multicultural education and those who favor a cultural literacy approach. The book demonstrates that educating for democratic citizenship in a multicultural society includes a fundamental respect for diversity. It bridges the widening gap between multicultural education and civic education;…

Argues that the United States always has possessed a unified political culture (representative democracy defined by compromise and consensus) and a fragmented ethnic and social culture. Claims that concerns about the divisive effect of multicultural education confuse the two realms. Suggests some curriculum topics that address both ideas. (MJP)