The Decline, But Not Demise, of Multiculturalism

Abstract

This article deals with recent events - mainly the Islamist crisis - which have eroded the concept of multiculturalism, both in the political sense as well as in its doctrinal aspects. The article surveys this demise of multiculturalism, as well as the politics of identity, in different western countries - including the special case of Israel - and delves into the arguments which surround this process. The author's contention is twofold: First, because cultures are not equal in their treatment of human rights, they should not be treated equally - all this notwithstanding the recognition of diversity as a useful social instrument. Secondly, the values of western, liberal democracies are not those of a specific culture but rather an intellectual achievement of un-inherited values of equality and freedom - an intellectual construct which should not be treated on par with traditional, religion-based cultures.

Keywords: multiculturalism, Europe, diversity, Britain, France, Israel, Islam, crisis, Islamic

JEL Classification: K0, Z0