Multiculturalism is a perspective and a set of policies that recognize, value, and promote the coexistence of several distinct cultural or ethnic groups within a given society on equal terms, without any single culture dominating the others. It emphasises the importance of cultural diversity and encourages the retention of unique cultural identities, traditions, languages, and practices, while also fostering social integration and mutual respect among different groups. In a multicultural society, ethnic groups exist separately but ideally share equally in economic, political, and social life, contributing to a richer and more diverse society as a whole. Multiculturalism is often contrasted with assimilation, where minority groups are expected to adopt the culture of the dominant group, and the "melting pot" ideal, where different cultures are expected to blend together to form a new, common culture.