Rethinking Multiculturalism

By Bhikhu Parekh

Professor Lord Bhikhu Parekh

• professor at London School of Economics and Political Science

• a leading interpreter of the history of political theory

• published books on Bentham, Marx and Gandhi

• focuses on the dilemmas of policy in multi-ethnic Britain

Rethinking multiculturalism I.

• „If culture differences were accepted as a normal part of life, those involved would not need to ground them in something as intractable and non-negotiable as religion and ethnicity.“ p.199

Assimilation

• If the minorities wish to become part of society and be treated like the resto fo their follow-citizens, they should assimilate.

X

• The degree of assimilation?

• It is not clear what minorities are to be assimilated into.

Procedualist view

• There are deep moral and cultural differences in multicultural societies, which cannot be rationally solved. Our sole concern should be to ensure peace and stability. X

• The authority of the state – limited or absolute?

• How to set up necessary substantive goals?

Civic assimilationist

• The political community requires agreement not only on tis structure of authority but also on a shared culture.

• The shared culture should not be comprehensive and encompass all areas of life. = private x public life

X• Where are the boundaries between public

and private?

Millet model

• All that really matters to people- their customs, practices, values…are derived from their culture.

• The state has no moral status. The state is more like federation of communities.

X• It militates against the development of

common social and political bonds = no unity and cohesion.

Rethinking multiculturalism II.

• „If we are to develop a coherent political structure for a multicultural society, we need to appreciate the importance of both unity and diversity and establish a satisfactory relationship between them.“ p.206

• The need of some principles - navigational devices.