Challenging Multiculturalism: European Models of Diversity - Softcover

Raymond Taras

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0748664580 ISBN 13: 9780748664580

Publisher: Edinburgh University Press, 2012

Synopsis

This book tackles the challenge of dismantling the multicultural model without destroying diversity in European society. Have Europeans become hostile to multiculturalism? When people vote for anti-immigrant parties, do they also support their anti-multicultural policies? And are right-wing extremists becoming the storm troopers of the struggle against diversity? In recent years, most mainstream political leaders in Europe have discarded the term 'multiculturalism' and instead express scepticism, criticism and even hostility towards multicultural ways of organising their societies. Yet they are unprepared to reverse the diversity existing in their states. These contradictory choices have different political consequences in the 11 European countries examined in this book. The future of European liberalism is being played out as multicultural notions of belonging, inclusion, tolerance and the national home are brought into question. It studies 11 countries: Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Italy, France, Poland, Russia and Turkey.

About this title

About the Author

Ray Taras is Professor of Politics at Tulane University

From the Back Cover

‘Challenging Multiculturalism is a highly original and timely study of multiculturalism and its opponents in contemporary Europe. Going beyond cliché and common wisdom, by providing empirically solid answers to theoretically informed questions, it provides essential lessons for policy makers, scholars, and students alike.’Cas Mudde, University of Georgia, author of Populist Radical Right Parties in Europe.How are European societies overhauling – even dismantling – the multicultural model without destroying diversity?In recent years European political leaders from Angela Merkel to David Cameron have discarded the term ‘multiculturalism’ and now express scepticism, criticism and even hostility towards multicultural ways of organising their societies. Yet they are unprepared to reverse the diversity existing in their states. These contradictory choices have different political consequences in the countries examined in this book.Case studies of 11 European countries throw light on the challenges posed by multiculturalism and the extent to which anti-immigration parties appeal to moderate voters by embracing anti-multiculturalism policies. And they show how the future of European liberalism is being played out as multicultural notions of belonging, inclusion, tolerance and the national home are brought into question.Key Features•Examines how European liberalism is being challenged by opposition to multiculturalism•Presents a cross-national study of European societies’ efforts to implement multiculturalism, how they have stumbled, and what is proposed to replace multiculturalism•Explores the ways in which opposition to multiculturalism has helped galvanise radical right, nationalist and gradually mainstream anti-multiculturalist movements•Includes chapters on Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Sweden and TurkeyRaymond Taras has been Willy Brandt Professor in Migration Studies at Malmö University and Professor in Political Science at Tulane University. He is the author or editor of twenty scholarly books, most recently Xenophobia and Islamophobia in Europe (Edinburgh University Press, 2012).Cover image: French youths show off their election cards, 2012 © FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AFP/Getty Images.Cover design:[EUP logo]www.euppublishing.com

Edition details

• Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0748664580
• ISBN 13: 9780748664580
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 360