Data di Pubblicazione:
2015
Citazione:
Multiculturalisms: an overview of multicultural debates in western societies / E. Colombo. - In: CURRENT SOCIOLOGY. - ISSN 0011-3921. - 63:6(2015), pp. 800-824.
Abstract:
This article examines how debates about multiculturalism evolved in western societies.
In the first part, it presents the different meanings of the term ‘multiculturalism’ when
it applies to diverse types of cultural difference within society: native and sub-state
national groups, discriminated groups within society and immigrants. Highlighting
the polysemy of the term, three theoretical approaches to multicultural issues are
introduced and critically discussed: multiculturalism as a normative issue, as an (anti)
ideology and as a feature of current societies. In its central part, the article considers
the different criticisms that, since the beginning of the 21st century, have called for a
retreat from multiculturalism, which is accused of being a failure and which is blamed
for promoting social fragmentation, parallel lives and terrorist groups. In order to assess
the validity of the alleged multicultural backlash, the article analyses some important
trends in current research on multicultural policies, attitudes and identities. Finally, it
presents the increasing interest in the analysis of ‘everyday multiculturalism’, highlighting
the processes through which cultural difference is produced and negotiated in daily
interactions in urban contexts.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Keywords:
Cultural difference; everyday multiculturalism; inclusion/exclusion; multiculturalism; recognition
Elenco autori:
E. Colombo
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