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» NEW! » Nasar & Modood - How does Interculturalism Contrast with Multiculturalism?

Nasar, M. & Modood, T. (2012). How does Interculturalism Contrast with Multiculturalism? Journal of Intercultural Studies, 33(2), 175-196.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07256868.2011.618266

This paper critically examines some of the ways in which conceptions of interculturalism are being positively contrasted with multiculturalism, especially as political ideas. It argues that each of the qualities emphasised by the advocates of political interculturalism (encouraging communication, recognising dynamic identities, promoting unity and critiquing illiberal cultural practices) are also important features of multiculturalism.

The authors explore the origins of multiculturalism as an intellectual tradition and then present four specific areas of comparison between multiculturalism and interculturalism. They conclude that interculturalism as a policy discourse offers a distinct perspective but should be considered complementary to multiculturalism.