Multiculturalism: a very short introduction

n this Very Short Introduction, Ali Rattansi provides a balanced assessment of what's true and what's false about multiculturalism. Rattansi provides a useful definition of the word multiculturalism and he looks at how the term is used--and misused--in political debate, public policy, and within the educational arena, presenting a balanced and comprehensive view of all the opinions surrounding this controversial subject. Dispelling many myths in the process, he warns of the dangers that lurk in an uncritical endorsement of multiculturalism, and concludes by arguing that the time has come to move on to a form of interculturalism

Race, Gender and Sexuality: The Oppression of Multiculturalism

NoIn this article we analyse the impact of multicultural ideology on struggles for equality in the spheres of gender, race/ethnicity and sexuality. We argue that multiculturalism has permeated theory, policy and action in these areas and that this has resulted in divisions and conflicts between movements for human rights. This has allowed an uncritical brand of multiculturalism to flourish which operates to further oppress already disadvantaged groups. We illustrate our thesis in relation to the violence committed against Black/Asian women through such cultural practices as forced arranged marriage, domestic violence and female genital mutilation. We also note the violence against gay and lesbian people which is sanctioned by some cultural and religious traditions. We conclude that failure to address fundamental questions about possible limits to cultural diversity in liberal democratic societies has implications for the continued oppression of the least powerful and the future of human rights