1st Edition

Governance in Multicultural Societies

Edited By John Rex, Gurharpal Singh Copyright 2004

    In the last decade the study of multiculturalism has become an established field in political and social theory. This in-depth and engaging volume focuses on public policy and the dilemmas faced by the governments of increasingly diverse societies. Offering a theoretically and empirically rich collection of essays from some of the leading specialists in the field, it fills the gap between the social and political theory of multiculturalism and institutionally based national case studies. The book is distinctive in combining a robust theoretical introduction to recent developments in multiculturalism with a critical evaluation of contemporary public policy in a variety of countries in Europe, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Far East and South Africa. It incorporates a strong comparative dimension both within and across the case studies, with a regional focus enabling comparisons of regional, national and international experience.

    Contents: Assessing multiculturalism theoretically: E Pluribus Unum, Sic et Non, Edward A. Tiryakian; Strangers and compatriots: the political theory of cultural diversity, Colin Tyler; Multiculturalism and political integration in the modern nation-state, John Rex; The sociology of multiculturalism: is culture the name of the game?, Steve Fenton; Multiculturalism in contemporary Britain: community cohesion, urban riots and the 'Leicester Model', Gurharpal Singh; Multiculturalism in France, Catherine Withol de Wenden; Multiculturalism in Germany: the local management of immigrants' social inclusion, Frank-Olaf Radtke; Boundary change and ethnic separation in South-Eastern Europe, 1919-1999: the role of the great powers, David Carlton; Ethnic conflict in the former Soviet Union: the problem of governance, Galina M. Yemelianova; Pluralism and multiculturalism in colonial and post-colonial society, John Rex; Malaysia and capitalist modernization: plural and multicultural models, Steve Fenton; Is multiculturalism a workable policy in South Africa?, Simon Bekker and Anne Leildé; Multiculturalism in contemporary India, Harihar Bhattacharyya; Pluralism and democracy in Pakistan, Mohammad Waseem; Sikhs in multicultural societies, Darshan S. Tatla; Multiculturalism in Japan: citizenship policy for immigrants, Hideki Tarumoto; From multiculturalism to hybridity: the Chinese in Canada, Chan Kwok Bun; Afterword; Index.

    Biography

    John Rex is a Professor at the Centre for Research in Ethnic Relations at the University of Warwick, UK, and Gurharpal Singh is Professor in the Department of Theology at the University of Birmingham, UK.

    ’This important volume provides a timely contribution on governance in multicultural societies. Clearly written and well argued, this series of essays provides a valuable addition to the literature on multiculturalism and public policy, both in developed and developing societies.’ Dr Shamit Saggar, World Fellow, Yale University, USA ’John Rex and Gurharpal Singh are to be congratulated upon bringing together such a stimulating group of authors spanning sociology and political science to critically examine what multiculturalism means in governance. They have produced a wide ranging international collection combining valuable theory with insightful case studies. This work is pushing forward the frontiers.’ Professor Martin Bulmer, University of Surrey, UK and Editor, Ethnic and Racial Studies