Monoculturalism is the policy or process of supporting, advocating, or allowing the expression of the culture of a single social or ethnic group in a specific area. Monoculturalism is both backward and forward looking, it generally stems from a group's love of their own culture and wanting to protect their forefather's legacy for their children. It therefore is often aimed at the maximisation of a group's own long term interests; and may be a way to deal with societal stress due to: modes of alienation, social and economic deprivation or political oppression.