Intellectual culture and democracy in 21st century Canada: a case study of Kurdish immigrants from Iran

Abstract

Current international policy initiatives, particularly in the field of social relations, reveal an intense interest in the relationship between intellectual culture and democracy. This interest is an end product of a long theoretical tradition positing that a vigorous social life, within a set of defined cultural relations is beneficial for the creation and maintenance of democracy in a multicultural community. This paper considers the exigencies of cultural survival among Kurdish immigrant from Iran. Most of these immigrants, especially political refugees in early 80s, have selected Canada to have their "voice" and "political freedom". Their situation as so-called minorities and "deprived" ethnic group in their country of origin is explored. In this regard, the concept of Intellectual Culture is discussed in details and the role of Canadian Intellect in creating on overall identity, base on democratic values for these minorities is taken in consideration. In conclusion, the concept of modern democracy and its application on Kurds under one unified cultural identity and its relation to social and political issues in Canada are discussed