British Multiculturalism and the Politics of Representation

Description

Uses poststructuralist theory to connect inclusion, exclusion and identity, centred around real-world case studies from British culture, politics and lawLasse Thomassen argues that the politics of inclusion and identity should be viewed as struggles over how these identities are represented. He centres this argument through careful analysis of cases from the last four decades of British multiculturalism.Key FeaturesUses a fresh, poststructuralist approach to reconcile the theoretical and practical issues surrounding inclusion and exclusion – a rare example of how poststructuralism can speak to mainstream concerns and theoryOpens up debates and themes including Britishness, race, the nature and role of Islam in British society, homelessness and social justiceCase studies include public debates about the role of religion in British society; Prime MInisters Gordon Brown and David Cameron’s contrasting versions of Britishness; legal cases about religious symbols and clothing in schools; and the Nick Hornby novel How to Be Good – most of which have never been covered in such detail beforeExamines a number of legal cases: ‘The Queen on the application of Sarika Angel Watkins-Singh v. The Governing Body of Aberdare Girls’ High School and Rhondda Cynon Taf Unitary Authority’, High Court, 2008; ‘Playfoot (a minor), R (on the application of) v Millais School’ High Court 2007; ‘X v Y’, High Court, 2007; and ‘Mandla and another v Dowell Lee and another’, House of Lords, 1983