Multiculturalism Flashcards
why do multiculturalists defend minority rights on the grounds that they guarantee individual freedoms and personal autonomy
Liberals
recognition of culture helps to promote personal self-respect and help individuals towards self-actualization and self-empowerment
culture is a vital tool that enables people to live autonomous lives. This was asserted by Charles Taylor, who in ‘The Politics of Recognition’, argues that individual self-respect is intrinsically bound up with cultural membership.
Protecting minorities from cultural erosion helps to build a more vigorous and vibrant society, preventing the ‘dull conformism’ that defines a culturally homogenous nation.
why do pluralist multiculturalists defend minority rights
allow minorities to take pride in culture and sense of belonging, preventing them from feeling alienated, isolated and rootless.
Within a community, distinctive practices or traditions should be preserved and cultural identity celebrated in order to prevent anomie and confusion in society.
In addition, pluralists argue these rights are a defense against oppression, preventing the values and lifestyles of minority communities being devalued, trivialized or ridiculed – a “failure of recognition” (Charles Taylor).
Pluralists argue that minority groups are always threatened or vulnerable because the state, as a neutral body, aligns with the dominant culture.
This culture is universalized as its language is used, history is taught, and whose cultural and religious practices are observed in public life.
why do multiculturalists defend minority rights on the grounds that they redress social injustice
E.g. through positive discrimination due to past injustices or present disadvantages.
They are compensation for unfair disadvantages and for under representation, usually addressed through a programme of positive discrimination.
For example, in the USA the political advancement of African Americans has been associated with affirmative action. The Supreme Court upheld the principle of reverse discrimination in educational admissions, allowing black students to gain admission to US universities with lower qualifications than white students.
why have conservatives criticised multiculturalism as it promotes instability
nationalism over multiculturalism: particularly critical of pluralist multiculturalism
shared values and cultural homogeny are a necessary precondition for a stable and successful society.
Human beings are drawn to others similar to themselves, fearing and distrusting strangers or foreigners is something that is natural and unavoidable.
Multiculturalism is therefore inherently flawed: they are fractured and conflict ridden, hostility and violence are common place. “Diversity within unity is a myth”, opposed by the social psychology of human beings.
Absolute assimilation e.g. Norman Tebbit’ cricket test
why do multiculturalists criticise liberal universalism
Liberals tend to believe in universal values that are applicable to all societies and cultures, which is seen as a form of oppression, or even cultural imperialism.
They believe it tends to marginalize and demoralize subordinate groups and peoples. It does this because behind the façade of universalism, the culture of liberal societies is constructed in line with the values and interests of its dominant groups: men, whites, wealthy etc.
Subordinate groups and peoples are either consigned an inferior or demeaning stereotype, or they are encouraged to identify with the supposedly ‘universal’ values of the dominant groups (the oppressors).
Additionally, universalism also gives rise to a modern liberal tendency towards ‘block thinking’ – the tendency to view cultural groups as monolithic giving them a single identity. Multicultualists argue that in fact all groups are internally varied and have a great number of subgroups.
why do multiculturalists believe egalitarianism is limited
in its legal and political forms
is limited
may even be part of the problem (it conceals deeper structures of cultural marginalisation)
therefore multiculturalists emphasise difference rather than equality
what type of politics do multiculturalists subscribe to
the politics of recognition
developed out of the collapse of the reopen empires early post world war II
the positive endorsement or celebration of cultural difference, allowing marginalised groups to assert themselves by reclaiming an authentic sense of cultural identity
why do multiculturalists argue cultural self-assertion and pride is so important
Pride in ones culture and a public acknowledgment of one’s cultural identity gives people a sense of social and historical rootedness
By contrast, a weak or fractured sense of cultural identity leaves people feeling isolated and confused
why does identity view culture as a source of liberation and empowerment
it seeks to cultivate a pure or authentic sense of identity
embracing this identity is a political act - a statement of intent and a form of defiance
identity politics is a pyscho-emotional force
attempt to fuse the personal with the political
what is the multiculturalist view on human nature
essentially communitarian, stressing people can’t be understood outside of society but are intrinsically shaped by the social cultural and other structures within which they live and develop
only groups and communities can give people a genuine sense of identity and moral purpose
the abstract individual - the “unencumbered self” - is a recipe for rootless atomism
- Sandel and MacIntyre
what are polyethnic rights
rights that help ethnic groups and religious minorities which have developed through immigration, to express and maintain their cultural distinctiveness
Kymlicka
example of polyethnic rights in practice
the exemption of Jews and Muslims from animal slaughtering laws, the exemption of Muslim girls from school dress codes, Sikhs to carry their ceremonial daggers
how are minority rights distinct from traditional liberal rights
they belongs to groups not individuals
multiculturalists subscribe to collectivism to a great extent rather than individualism
describe minority rights
special rights
specific to the groups which they belong, each cultural group having different needs for recognition based on the specific character of religion, tradition and way of life
e.g. Sikhs can ride motorcycles and not wear crash helmets
what are representation rights
special legal status that attempts to redress the underrepresentation of minority or disadvantaged groups in education and in senior positions in public and political life
achieved through positive discrimination
Kymlicka
how is positive discrimination defended by Kymlicka
it is the only way of ensuring the full and equal participation of all groups in the life of their society, thus ensuring that public policy reflects the interests of diverse groups and peoples and not merely the traditionally dominant groups.
who do self government rights belong to
national minorities
indigenous peoples
territorially concentrated
sharing a language
e.g. the native americans, the maoris in new Zealand;
the aboriginal people in Australia;
the Sami people in parts of northern Sweden, Norway and Finland
what does the right to self government mean in practice
the devolution of political power, usually through federalism to political its that are substantially controlled by members of the national minority
they can extend to the right succession - sovereign independence
example of self government rights
the territory of Nunavut in Canda formed in 1999
largely self governing and has its own territorial legislation
how has positive discrimination (representation rights) been criticised
it amounts to unfair discrimination
some members of minority groups argue it is demeaning and possibly counter productive (as it implies the group can’t gain advancement through their own efforts)
how have polyethnic rights been criticised
they block integration into larger society
the issue of the veil worn by some Muslim woman has attracted particular attention on this grounds
supporters of the right of to wear the veil argue it is basic to their cultural identity
critics argue it discriminates against women and is a symbol of separateness
explain the tension between minority rights and individual rights
cultural belonging when it is based on ethnicity and religion, is usually the product of family or social background, not personal choice
as most people don’t join an ethnic or religious group, it is difficult to see why they should be obliged to accept its beliefs or follow its practices
liberal-multicultural conflict
how does ‘offence’ conflict to liberalism
If offence amounts to evidence of oppression it has implications for traditional liberal rights – notably freedom of expression.
If freedom of expression has any value, it surely means that the right to express views that others may find objectionable or offensive.
Thus, harm involves physical threat and not a failure of recognition.
what does multiculturalism have in common with nationalism
both emphasise the capacity of culture to generate social and political cohesion
both seek to bring political arrangements in line with patterns of cultural differentiation
how do multiculturalists and nationalists differ
nationalists believe that stable and successful societies are ones in which nationality (in the sense of shared cultural identity) coincides with citizenship
on the other hand
multiculturalists believe cultural diversity is compatible with, and provides the best basis for, political cohesion
why do multiculturalist believe diversity is desirable
benefits to individual: strong sense of cultural identity and belonging
society at large:
vigour and vibrancy of society when there are a variety of cultural practices life sales traditions and beliefs
toleration and understanding:
by promoting cross cultural exchange between groups that live side by side next to one another, there is understanding and a willingness to respect difference - ANTIDOTE TO SOCIAL POLARISATION
description liberal multiculturalism
toleration
desire to uphold freedom of choice in the moral sphere
difference blind: liberalism is neutral in regard to culture race religion and gender
individuals should be evaluated as morally autonomous individuals
Rawls championed the belief that liberalism strives to establish conditions in which people can establish the good life as each defines it
but does not try to promote any particular value or moral belief
how is liberal toleration applied to multiculturalism
only extends to views values and social practices that are in themselves tolerant - compatible with personal freedom and autonomy
opposition to deep diversity
e.g. liberals unwilling to endorse FGM forced and arranged marriages female dress codes
the individuals rights and their freedom of choice comes before the rights of the cultural group
how do liberal multiculturalists distinguish between private and public life
private - cultural identity
realm of freedom
people express cultural religious and language identity
public - citizenship
bedrock of civic allegiance
example of the liberal multiculturalists public sphere
USA
African Americans
Integration rather than diversity emphasised in PUBLIC
Stress English proficiency, knowledge of US political history of preconditions for gaining citizenship
France
Secularism in public life lead to the banning of hijab and since 2003 a ban on overt religious affiliation in french schools
explain why liberal multiculturalists regard liberal democracy as the sole legitimate political system
They argue the virtue of democracy as it ensures that the government is based on the consent of the people
in guaranteeing personal freedom and toleration, it helps to uphold diversity
they would thus oppose calls for the establishment of an Islamic state based on the adoption of Sharia law
describe cosmopolitan multiculturalism
endorse cultural diversity - a melting pot of different ideas values and traditions
not a cultural mosaic of separate ethnic and religious groups
identity politics
pick and mix multiculturalism - cultural exchange and mixing are positively encouraged
why do cosmopolitan multiculturalists endorse diversity
individuals can experience different parts of culture other than their own, ‘cherry picking’ or ‘pick and mix multiculturalism’.
society benefits from cultures new hybrid cultures emerge, bringing people together for something they can all share in. this benefits society because it generates vigour and vibrancy, based on the existence of a variety of lifestyles, cultural practices, traditions and beliefs.
Cultures can mix, mingle and blend making us all feel connected to them. This cross-cultural exchange promotes understanding and a willingness to respect ‘difference’.
Diversity, in this sense, is the antidote to social polarisation and prejudice; advancing social justice and enabling marginalised groups and peoples to counteract subordination.
theorist of cosmopolitan multiculturalism
Jeremy Waldron
what is the core goal of pluralist multiculturalism
strong diversity
recognition of the legitimacy of non liberal and liberal values
what are the key themes of liberal multiculturalism
minority rights
diversity strengthens toleration and personal autonomy
communitarianism
what are the key themes of cosmopolitan multiculturalism
cosmopolitanism
cultural mixing
hybridity
how do cosmopolitan multiculturalists view culture
fluid - not fixed or embedded in history as pluralist or particularist multiculturalist would argue
responsive to changing social circumstances and personal needs
why do other multiculturalists criticise cosmopolitan multiculturalism
stresses unity at the expense of diversity
to treat cultural identity as a matter of self definition and to encourage hybridity and cultural mixing
weakens any genuine sense of cultural belonging
what do cosmopolitan multiculturalists see as the benefits of a diverse society
broadens moral and philosophical sensibilities
leading to the emergence of a one world perspective
how do cosmopolitan multiculturalists see cultural identity
individual identity not explained in terms of a single cultural structure in a modern world
exists as a melange (Waldron) of commitments, affiliations and roles
describe particularist multiculturalism
emphasises that cultural diversity takes place within a context of unequal power
in which certain groups have customarily enjoyed advantages and privileges that have been denied to other grounds; aligned to the needs and interests of marginalised or disadvantages
the struggle of these groups is seen in terms of western values culture lifestyle they are tainted by colonialism and racialism
cultural distinctiveness amounts to a form of political resistance, a refusal to succumb to repression or corruption
why do feminists criticise multiculturalism
little more than a concealed attempt to bolster male power; the politics of recognition are used within minority communities to legitimize continued female subordination.
Feminists have concerned as minority rights and the politics of recognition serve to preserve and legitimize patriarchal and traditionalist beliefs that systematically disadvantage women: “minorities within minorities”
Cultural practices such as dress codes, family structures and access to elite positions have thus been seen to establish structural gender biases
only self-appointed spokespeople (usually men) dictate the cultural norms
Charles Taylor
drew on communitarian thinking to construct a theory of multiculturalism as the politics of recognition ‘Multiculturalism and the Politics of Recognition’ (1994)
emphasises:
- equal dignity rooted in an appeal to people’s humanity
- equal respect, reflecting a difference and the extent to which personal identity is culturally stimulated
rejected particularism
Will Kymlicka
Leading theorist of liberal multiculturalism
Cultural identity and minority rights are closely linked to personal autonomy
‘Multicultural citizenship’
background of multiculturalism
first emerged in the activities of the black consciousness movement of the 1960s
primarily in the USA
explain the socialist critique of multiculturalism
cultural difference narrows people’s obligations towards fellow citizens
Brian Barry argued that an emphasis on cultural identity divides and thus weakens a common economic interest
socialism has an inherently internationalist face: workers of the world unite.
explain the liberal critique of particularist multiculturalism
This is because it undermines the toleration required for the liberal concept of civic unity.
The toleration of the intolerant (conservative or oppressive cultural groups) can lead to a violation of the liberal JS Mill’s harm principle due to certain cultures intolerant action in the public and private spheres.
E.g. Women being second class citizens in the home or denied educational opportunities or in some cases FGM thus breeding conflict within society.
how do liberals interpret diversity in society
shallow diversity
emphasis on containing diversity within a framework of civic unity: public sphere as a realm of integration.
In private, people should be free to express cultural, moral, religious beliefs any way we choose. However, in public there should be at least a basic civic mode to maintain stability.
This, then, ensures that tension and social conflict is contained by the principle of universal citizenship.
For example, in the US there is a stress on a good grasp of English and knowledge of US history before being granted citizenship. This prevents isolation and confusion, Montesquieu.
why do cosmopolitan multiculturalists argue it is a unifying creed
more harmony and respect for cultural minorities.
Waldron:individual identity is a ‘melange’ of commitments, affiliations and roles.
Hybridity means that differences between people will disappear. Deep understanding for one another will develop with a shared global identity. People have more than one layer of identity; toleration and understanding.
Sandel argued that the unencumbered selves is a recipe for rootless anomie.
how are multiculturalist less repressive than monoculturalist societies
pluralist mc.
Charles Taylor: they help people to flourish as different cultural identities rather than repressing them, encouraging people to live together in harmony.
less tension as groups can fully express their cultural identity and way of life
denial of minority rights is more likely to breed tension as it violates a sense of cultural belonging in a community .e.g. selfgovernment rights keep countries together e.g. NZ Maoris.
why is liberalism said to be the best foundation for cultural diversity
liberalism is ‘neutral’ in relation to the moral, cultural and other choices that citizens make.
liberalism is ‘difference-blind’: it treats factors such as culture, ethnicity, race and religion as, in effect, irrelevant.
how do liberals and multiculturalists each share a commitment to freedom and respect of the individual
Liberals value freedom above all else. Rawls believed the state should be neutral over questions of personal choice in the private sphere be they religious, moral or cultural. By granting people the freedom to pursue their view of the ‘good’ life, multiculturalism promotes individual liberty.
communitarianism reconciles individual and group rights
it argues individual identity is, at least partially, constructed by the cultural community as a whole
This means that MC’s propagation of cultural group rights is compatible with liberal values.
how do both liberals and multiculturalists support toleration
Multiculturalism promotes liberal values of tolerance by tolerating all cultures. In turn, such tolerance promotes civic unity as cultures will not feel under attack or oppressed but instead mutually respect one another.
Liberals are difference blind, treats factors such as culture etc as irrelevant and argues people should be evaluated as morally autonomous individuals.
Waldron (cosmopolitan multiculturalist) argued that individual identity is a ‘melange’ of commitments, affiliations and roles. Thus, cultural hybridity means that differences between people will disappear. Global identity: toleration
explain how both liberals and multiculturalists support liberal democracy as the sole political system
Liberals: it guarantee individual rights and freedoms (giving individuals the ability to remove governments and by representing a wide range of individual interests and demands).
E.g. prevents intolerant groups like IS from gaining political power.
Liberal multiculturalists e.g. Brian Barry believe it is the best mechanism for protecting cultural rights as it allows for all values and viewpoints to be listened to.
Lib Multiculturalist also believe that public discussions promote greater tolerance and civic unity, and that these public discussions are most likely to occur under a democratic system;
premulticulturalists JS Mill, illustrating a clear compatibility between both traditions.
how does liberalism conflict with deep diversity
the moral relativism underpinning particularist multiculturalism clearly contradicts the liberal universalism of most liberals.
particularist multiculturailsm’s tolerance of the intolerant often leads to a violation of the liberal JS Mill’s harm principle
freedom of choice and personal autonomy must be guaranteed
E.g. Women being second class citizens in the home or denied educational opportunities or in some cases FGM.
how does liberalism oppose a group identity
multiculturalists often prioritise group rights, subordinating the needs of the individual there is the problem of a minority within a minority (Anne Phillips).
Clash with liberal individualism.
For example, self-appointed spokesepeople (usually men), dictating the cultural norms of society
how does liberalism oppose minority privilege
as minority rights often privilege a certain cultural group above another, there is a clash with the liberal principle of foundational equality held by classical liberals such as Locke and Jefferson.
Clash with meritocracy.
“heaven helps those who help themselves” smiles
how do liberals oppose any democratic system other than liberal democracy
Democracy can be hijacked by major cultural groups at the expense of others.
most multiculturalists seek cultural assertiveness rather than justice.
Amartya Sen attacked the tendency of multiculturalism to develop into a form of ghettoization (solidaristic theory).
This happens as they fail to develop a notion of respect for other cultures, resulting in the miniaturization of human identity.
explain why liberal multiculturalists promote cultural mixing
Societies in which there are a variety of life-styles, cultural practices, traditions and beliefs are more vigorous and vibrant.
Cross-cultural exchange promotes intellectual and social development as different cultural groups learn about each other they gain greater insight into their own beliefs and practices.
promotes a free market of ideas that advances understanding and wisdom; allows society to develop and not stagnate
E.G. ‘‘On China” period in Chinese history were china was closed off to trade and the outside world, Mill argued this lead to no new cultural influences or ideas from contact with the outside world, Chinese culture stagnated’
explain why cosmopolitan multiculturalists support cultural mixing
Leads to new hybrid cultures developing
encourages people to recognise their common humanity, in that parallels amongst cultural groups outweigh their differences.
This may even lead to a kind of ‘mix-and- match’ multiculturalism, in which people are encouraged to enrich their own lives and seek personal development by drawing on the beliefs and practices of a variety of cultural groups and not merely a single group.
Waldron argued individual identity is a “melange” of commitments affiliations and roles.
Hybridity means isolating differences will disappear, and deep understanding for one another will develop in a global identity. As people have more than one identity toleration and understanding is fostered.
why does cultural mixing weaken cultural embeddedness
what people gain from their cultural identity is a clear sense of historical and social belonging.
‘mix-and-match multiculturalism’ weakens this, giving people a shallow or inauthentic sense of identity.
A pride in one’s culture and especially public acknowledgment and celebration of cultural identity gives people a sense of social and historical rootedness.
A weak or fractured sense of cultural identity leaves people feeling isolated and confused.
Particularists argue for separateness and minority rights as it helps people form their own self respect and self worth. E.g. Sikhs are exempt from wearing motorcycle helmets and carrying a ceremonial dagger would not be an issue to someone who is not a practising Sikh.
why is cultural mixing harmful as it allows the belief of a dominant (western) culture to prevail
subverts cultural groups
it is always in danger of descending into cultural imperialism. e.g Said
thus, liberal universalism as a source of oppression which demoralises subordinate groups. The culture of liberal societies benefit dominant groups e.g. men whites wealthy; whilst subordinate groups are given demeaning stereotypes. This encourages them to identify with the values and interests of dominant groups of oppressors.
Cultural separation promises to protect minority ethnic groups from ‘westernisation’. This is achieved via self governing rights e.g. Nunavut 1999 Canada
example of a dominant culture oppressing a minority
• Edward Said’s Orientalism highlighted how European colonialism had been upheld by stereotypical fictions that belittled and demeaned non-western peoples.
key divisions in multiculturalism
cultural mixing
cosmo vs particularist
diversity
deep v shallow
minority rights
liberal v particularist
why have liberals criticised multiculturalism for the concept of deep diversity
their principle of toleration only extends to views, values and social practices that are in themselves, tolerant (compatible with personal freedom).
liberals criticise particularist’ moral relativism: emphasizing that deep diversity is necessary to maintain the distinctive cultural identity of the group.
this can lead to friction between universal liberals and those minority groups.
As a result, this often leads to a violation of the liberal JS Mill’s harm principle due to certain cultures intolerant action in the public and private spheres.
E.g. female circumsion, forced or arranged marriages, female dress codes etc. thus breeding conflict within society.
why have liberals criticised non-democratic view points
Liberalism regards liberal democracy as the sole legitimate political system.
They defend it because it ensures government is based on consent, and guarantees personal freedom and toleration (also upholding diversity).
Therefore, calls for e.g. the implementation of an Islamic state based on the adoption of Shari’a law would be vehemently opposed by liberals.
Liberals criticise this to the extent they may be willing to prohibit groups or movements that campaign for this political end.
why do liberals criticise the blurring of public private divisions
They argue citizenship should be divorced from cultural identity, as culture is a private matter. Liberals see the private sphere as a realm of freedom where people should express their cultural, religious and language identity.
However, the public should be a bedrock of shared civic allegiance. If people meet in the public sphere not as equals, cultural, religious and ethnic identity prevents any kind of integration.
For example, in France there is an emphasis on secularism that has leads to the ‘burka ban’ in public (2011) and since 2003, the ban on all overt religious affiliations in French Schools.
This is in contrast to the particularist multiculturalist emphasis on cultural purity that sometimes amounts to an unwillingness to engage in cultural exchange: diversity is stressed at the expense of unity.
why do liberals criticise multiculturalism for its opposition to individualism
multiculturalists believe personal identity is embedded in a group identity, not an individual.
thus, it represents another form of collectivism, subordinating individual identity and personal autonomy, in favour of the social group.
this may mean individuals aren’t free to do certain things as cultural traditions take precedent – a minority within a minority (Anne Phillips).
For example, self-appointed spokespeople (usually men), dictating the cultural norms of society.
explain why liberal multiculturalists support diversity
Diversity contributes to intellectual development.
Mill argued diversity moves society forward (‘On China’ period in Chinese history were china was closed off to trade and the outside world, Mill argued this lead to no new cultural influences or ideas from contact with the outside world, Chinese culture stagnated’).
Without it the society has no dynamism and can’t move beyond a certain point.
This is because diversity allows for intellectual development - cultural diversity promotes a free market of ideas that advances understanding and wisdom.
explain why multiculturalists support diversity based on its unifying nature
it gives people from different backgrounds a political voice, encourages them to participate more fully in their society. this makes for political stability because people are only able to participate fully in their society on the basis of cultural recognition and belonging
All forms of multiculturalism are based on the assumption that diversity and unity can be blended with one another; they are not opposing forces
Friendships, relationships, working partnerships with people from a range of backgrounds enable people to learn,
appreciate the values and backgrounds that makes us more tolerant and more respectful.
there is thus a willingness to unite across ethnic and cultural lines; without it people are ignorant and intolerant.
why does Kymlicka support representation rights (devolution/self government)
cultures have been dispossessed and subordinated through the process of colonization; they didn’t chose to give up their culture/distinctive way of life and did not consent to the formation of a new state, with a dominating, universal culture.
oppression is not merely legal political or social; it is cultural and operates through stereotypes
representation rights break these stereotype
These rights are also able to be practically implemented, as indigenous people tend to be territorially concentrated.
why do multiculturalists criticise liberals on the basis that they absolutise liberalism
hey are only prepared to endorse cultural practices that are compatible with liberal commitment to individual freedom and personal autonomy. In this way, they will not tolerate the intolerant, not allowing the full range of cultural beliefs of a community to be permissible. Moreover, liberals regard liberal democracy as the only legitimate and viable political system, dismissing rival political forms as oppressive or tyrannical. For example, they entirely reject calls for the establishment of Sharia law; actively working through the mechanism of the state to prevent harmful, anti-liberal ideas from gaining traction. Equally, they will not allow ideas to emerge against core liberal ideas e.g. freedom of speech.
why do multiculturalists criticise liberal universalism
This communitarianist stance stresses that people can’t be understood outside of society and are intrinsically shaped by the social, cultural and other structures within which they live and develop
(a far cry from Thatcher’s neoliberal statement: there is no such thing as society, only individuals and their families.)
Communitarian philosophers such as Canadian Charles Taylor argued that liberal abstract individualism gives rise to the “unencumbered self” – is a recipe for rootless atomism.
In this way, multiculturalists argue that only groups and communities give people a genuine sense of identity and moral purpose.
why do multiculturalists criticise liberals because they stress individualism instead of communitarianism
values that are applicable to all societies and cultures, which is seen as a form of oppression, or even cultural imperialism.
It does this as a façade for the values and interests of its dominant groups: men, whites, wealthy etc.
Subordinate groups and peoples are either consigned an inferior or demeaning stereotype, or they are encouraged to identify with the supposedly ‘universal’ values of the dominant groups (the oppressors).
This is seen in the liberal argument that we meet as equals in the public sphere, it is not a place to promote individual identity.
They therefore support laicité, and absolute secularism (lack of religious clothing, symbolism etc).
Particularly pluralist multiculturalists argue that this creates a feeling of confusion and isolation, as people lose a valuable and integral part of their identity for the sake of dull conformity.
why do conservatives criticise multiculturalism on the grounds of the host community
Conservatives are concerned for the implication for the host community.
This is because multiculturalism perpetrates a new, ‘reverse’ kind of injustice; demeaning the culture of the majority group by associating it with colonialism and racism.
By contrast, the views and interests of minority groups are favoured through positive discrimination and the allocation of “special rights”.
This leads conservatives to respond to this threat by promoting restrictions on immigration
link between multiculturalism and liberalism: freedom
they both share a commitment to freedom and respect of the individual
Liberals value freedom above all else. Liberals like Rawls believe the state should be neutral over questions of personal choice in the private sphere be they religious, moral or cultural. By granting people the freedom to pursue their view of the ‘right’ life, multiculturalism promotes individual liberty.
The development of communitarianism… arguing that individual identity is, at least partially, constructed by the cultural community as a whole thus helping to reconcile individual rights with group rights. This means that MC’s propagation of cultural group rights is compatible with liberal values.
link between multiculturalism and liberalism: toleration
Multiculturalists promotes the core liberal values of tolerance by tolerating all cultures.
They argue that this tolerance promotes civic unity the idea that a more tolerant society will be a more peaceful and united one as cultures will not feel under attack or oppressed but instead mutually respect one another.
Liberals are difference blind, treats factors such as culture etc as irrelevant and argues people should be evaluated as morally autonomous, rational individuals (Mill).
Voltaire I detest what you say but i will defend to the death your right to say it.
Indeed, this toleration also ensures the health of society as a whole as within a ‘free market of ideas’ truth emerges as good ideas replace bad ones and ignorance is banished – no dull conformism, as debate is the fruits of a multiplicity of cultures.
explain the link between multiculturalism and liberalism: democracy
Liberals believe belief liberal democracy is the sole legitimate political system
Many liberals favour democracy as it helps to guarantee individual rights and freedoms: both by giving individuals the ability to remove governments that limit rights (consent) and by representing a wide range of individual interests and demands. E.g. prevents intolerant groups like IS from gaining political power.
Liberal multiculturalists such as Brian Barry believe that democracy is the best mechanism for protecting cultural rights as it allows for all values and viewpoints to be listened to.
Lib Multiculturalists reflect the idea that different cultures are ‘bound’ to the political system, finding harmony and equilibrium between them.
why do multiculturalists support diversity: cosmopolitans
as an individual people can experience loads of different parts of culture other than their own ‘cherry picking’.
At a societal level cosmopolitan multiculturalists argue with diversity, they will merge into one, new hybrid cultures emerge bringing us all together that we all can share in.
Hybridity means isolating differences will disappear, and deep understanding for one another will develop in a global identity. Cultures can mix, mingle and blend making us all feel connected to them.
Why do multiculturalists support diversity: liberals
JS Mill argued diversity moves society forward (‘On China’ period in Chinese history were china was closed off to trade and the outside world, Mill argued this lead to no new cultural influences or ideas from contact with the outside world, Chinese culture stagnated’).
Only within a free market of ideas will ‘truth’ emerge, as good ideas displace bad ones and ignorance is progressively banished.
Diversity breeds contest debate and argument, which are the motors of social progress; without which, society stagnates into ‘dull (majoritarian) conformism, and so society can’t move beyond a certain point.
why do multiculturalists support diversity: tolerance
t is beneficial as it promotes cross cultural exchange between groups that live side by side with one another, thus fostering cultural understanding and a willingness to respect ‘difference’.
Diversity, in this sense, is the antidote to social polarisation and prejudice, upholding unity and togetherness.
This is good for the individual, ensuring toleration and understanding, allowing individuals to adopt whatever beliefs and cultural practices they may choose. T
his benefits society, because it generates vigour and vibrancy, based on the existence of a variety of lifestyles, cultural practices, traditions and beliefs.
It is therefore the antidote to social polarisation and prejudice - advancing social justice and enabling marginalised groups and peoples to counteract subordination.
why do multiculturalists criticise liberalism, as they tend to ‘absolutise’ it
they are only prepared to endorse cultural practices that are compatible with liberal commitment to individual freedom and personal autonomy.
In this way, they will not tolerate the intolerant, not allowing the full range of cultural beliefs of a community to be permissible.
Moreover, liberals regard liberal democracy as the only legitimate and viable political system, dismissing rival political forms as oppressive or tyrannical.
For example, they entirely reject calls for the establishment of Sharia law; actively working through the mechanism of the state to prevent harmful, anti-liberal ideas from gaining traction.
Equally, they will not allow ideas to emerge against core liberal ideas e.g. freedom of speech.
why do multiculturalists criticise liberalism as they stress the individual, not the community
This communitarianist stance stresses that people can’t be understood outside of society and are intrinsically shaped by the social, cultural and other structures within which they live and develop (a far cry from Thatcher’s neoliberal statement: there is no such thing as society, only individuals and their families.)
Communitarian philosophers such as Canadian Charles Taylor argued that liberal abstract individualism gives rise to the “unencumbered self” – is a recipe for rootless atomism.
In this way, multiculturalists argue that only groups and communities give people a genuine sense of identity and moral purpose.
why do multiculturaliststs criticise liberal universalism
values that are applicable to all societies and cultures, which is seen as a form of oppression, or even cultural imperialism.
It does this as a façade for the values and interests of its dominant groups: men, whites, wealthy etc.
Subordinate groups and peoples are either consigned an inferior or demeaning stereotype, or they are encouraged to identify with the supposedly ‘universal’ values of the dominant groups (the oppressors).
This is seen in the liberal argument that we meet as equals in the public sphere, it is not a place to promote individual identity.
They therefore support laicité, and absolute secularism (lack of religious clothing, symbolism etc).
Particularly pluralist multiculturalists argue that this creates a feeling of confusion and isolation, as people lose a valuable and integral part of their identity for the sake of dull conformity.
How do liberals balance diversity?
Diversity is balanced within civic unity, and through the existence of multiple identities
Lib MC also place emphasis on diversity within the framework of civic unity which helps to bind people together.
In private, we should be free to express our cultural, moral and religious beliefs any way we want, however in public life we should all adhere to at least a basic civic code to maintain stability.
This can be illustrated by the US’ stress on a good grasp of English and a knowledge of US history before being allowed into the state, E.g hyphenated nationalism..
Prevents isolation and confusion as argued by Montesquieu.
what do multiculturalists argue a denial of cultural recognition does
isolation
powerlessness
breeding ground for extremism
Islamic extremism
why is diversity possible
people have multiple identities and multiple loyalties
cultural recognition underpins political stability
people are willing and able to participate in society precisely because they have a firm and secure identity, rotted in their won culture
denying culture breeds isolation and powerlessness: extremism and hate
“unencumbered self”
Micheal Sandel
Cosmopolitan multiculturalist
Jeremy Waldron
