Multiculturalism: The Political Theory of Diversity Today

Description

The idea that diverse cultural and ethnic groups should co-exist within a country and that assimilation should not be forced upon immigrant groups – “multiculturalism” – was orthodoxy 20 years ago. Today it’s coming under pressure. In this introduction to the political theory of multiculturalism, Andrew Shorten surveys the leading theories of multiculturalism, the critiques that have been levelled against the idea, and the debates surrounding cohesion, integration and diversity. He then goes on to demonstrate how multicultural political theory can be renewed, arguing that a single, monolithic vision of multiculturalism must be replaced by a multiculturalism made up of different strands, responding to distinctive but interrelated issues, and inspired by real-world policy debates about how political communities should respond to differences of religion, language and nationality. After tracing the influence of earlier multicultural ideas on these debates, Shorten reveals some new and surprising possibilities for mutual learning. Containing an up-to-date overview of multicultural political theory and its various offshoots, this book is essential reading for students and scholars interested in the politics of cultural, religious, linguistic and national diversity. Cover Title page Copyright Contents Acknowledgements Introduction What is Multiculturalism? Plan Liberal Theories of Multiculturalism: Autonomy and Toleration Diversity and the Liberal Tradition Freedom Toleration Equality Culture and neutrality Autonomy and Cultural Rights The Politics of Indifference Conclusion Beyond the Liberal Tradition: Recognition and Dialogue Recognition Liberalism’s shortcomings Dignity and difference Recognition sceptics Equal worth Liberalism, autonomy and authenticity Dialogue Regulating disputed practices Defending disputed practices Pluralist universalism Conclusion Philosophical Criticisms of Multiculturalism The Egalitarian Critique The Feminist Critique The Essentialist Critique The Cosmopolitan Critique Conclusion Diversity, Cohesion and Integration Multiculturalism and its Alternatives Solidarity, Values and Cohesion Solidarity in the multicultural state Shared values and political stability Conclusion Beliefs and Identities: Tolerating Religious Practices and Recognizing Religious Differences Liberalism, Toleration and Accommodation Varieties of accommodation Arguing for accommodations Recognition and Inclusion Recognition, difference and visibility Rethinking secularism Conclusion Ruling Ourselves: Self-Government Rights for National Minorities and Religious Associations Nations and Territories National self-determination Self-government rights and territorial autonomy Religions and Institutions Regulating religious associations Locating jurisdictional authority Conclusion Speaking with Dignity: Linguistic Justice for National Minorities and Immigrants Language Promotion and Equal Recognition Outcomes and procedures Linguistic interests Debating equal recognition Language Rights for Immigrants? Properties, preferences and consent Conditional admission Conclusion Conclusion Bibliography Index EULA