Multiculturalism and Ethiopian society: Exploring the roots of social intolerance and fear of societal disintegration

On the basis of multiculturalism, this study aims to examine the roots of social intolerance and the fear of societal disintegration in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. Qualitative research methodology was used to find answers to the research questions. 15 residents of Addis Ababa were interviewed using the semi-structured interview technique. The data obtained from the interviews were analyzed and interpreted using the thematic analysis method. The findings of the study show that the most determining factors affecting social tolerance and peaceful coexistence in a society are ethnicity, religiosity, ethnic federalism, and social media. This study also examined communities' prevailing views and opinions on diversity and multiculturalism through their experiences with them. Although the majority of the interviewee initially had a positive attitude towards diversity, their views on multiculturalism have changed over time as a result of the ongoing problem of social intolerance in the country. Social intolerance has serious consequences in the social and political lives of societies by affecting peaceful coexistence. Social intolerance affects social interactions; social ties are broken. People form ethnic-based groups, and ethnicity also affects the institution of family/marriage. Social intolerance has caused great human and property losses by dragging the social fabric into turmoil, and sparked conflicts. The fear of societal disintegration is therefore quite prevalent throughout society. Finally, in this study, it is recommended that extreme ethnocentrism should be avoided and concerned bodies, such as stakeholder, governments, policymakers, religious leaders, should raise awareness and show how badly and destructively society is affected by it.