Do Policies of Multiculturalism Change National Identities?

Abstract

‘Policies of multiculturalism are often criticised for undermining national identities in one of three ways and in this article I suggest why this is questionable and then point to a more plausible relationship between the two. More specifically, I offer a hypothesis which is that policies of multiculturalism change national identities and I argue that this hypothesis is both theoretically plausible and empirically plausible in at least one instance. This argument is made in three stages and in the first of them I explain what I think policies of multiculturalism and national identities are. In the second stage I present my hypothesis and explain why it is theoretically plausible. In the third stage I use new evidence to suggest why my hypothesis is also empirically plausible in at least one instance. In the final stage I show why a sceptic who might doubt whether my hypothesis is plausible in other instances need not do so.’

National Identity and Support for the Welfare State

“…208-210. xxii On the emergence of this distinctly "multicultural nationalism" in Canada, see Uberoi 2008 andKernerman 2005. This appendix lists the details for each variable used in preceding analyses. Where necessary, question wording is included.…”

Immigration societies and the question of ‘the national’

“…In the words of another distinguished multiculturalist, Modood (2011), the aim should be to create a new national 'we', which could include the historical trajectories of immigration communities -a plural and inclusive national identity in which all citizens can recognize themselves. Contra national liberalism à la Miller, the logic underpinning this project is not about 'taking off', but 'adding' ethnocultural diversity (Modood and Meer, 2012: 52) -an overlapping and overarching shared identity built on diversity (Bauböck, 2002;Uberoi, 2008). …”

The ‘Parekh Report’ – National identities without nations and nationalism

“…used to foster national pride in multiculturalism which I agree with (Uberoi, 2007(Uberoi, , 2008(Uberoi, , 2009 but again this differs to claiming policies of multiculturalism can be nationbuilding policies. 5.…”