In Search of New Paradigms: Signposting Multiculturalism and Comparative Literature for a New Century
In Search of New Paradigms: Signposting Multiculturalism and Comparative Literature for a New Century

Summary/Abstract: The last quarter of the twentieth century has witnessed profound changes, such as have not been seen since the previous global restructuring (industrial and economic) more than a century ago. Although some of the problems society is confronted with have been prophetically foreshadowed by artists, thinkers and visionaries, the speed with which these changes have taken place on a global scale in the past thirty years has made a fair and equitable translation of scientific and technological development into broadbased social benefit impossible. As a matter of fact, material and social circumstances for many millions from the lower classes (and entire countries and even continents) have alarmingly deteriorated and the economic disparity between the rich and the poor has intensified, the North-South Divide, for example (Thirlwall 1989). Unfortunately, it is not only the disparity in the distribution of wealth, but also worldwide discrimination based on race, ethnic origin, gender, class, language, culture, sexual preference and disability associated with it which causes grave concern.

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