Beyond Multiculturalism: Views from Anthropology

Multiculturalism has been widely debated within the fields of political theory, social policy, cultural studies and law, but not, to date within anthopology. Furthermore, ethnographic research that has been published has tended to concentrate on one country. This new volume offers a comparative view of multiculturalism in different countries, ranging from traditionally multicultural/multiethnic societies to new phenomena of cultural pluralism.The ethnographic case studies included in the volume address multiculturalism in everyday life in urban settings, ranging from North and South America to Europe and Asia. The contributors look at the intersections and relationships between cultural groups rather than taking a single ethnic group as a focus. They address multiculturalism in relation to employment, identity, consumption, education, language, legislation and policy making.Giuliana Prato argues that anthopologists have a unique contribution to the multiculturalism literature. She suggests that debates on multiculturalism tend to embrace a closed view of culture, as a "thing" to be possessed and shared by a strictly defined group of people which sets the group apart from other groups. Anthopologists are able to point to the methodological and theoretical weaknesses of such an interpretation of culture and to argue that cultural boundaries are permeable and open to change.

Contents: