Interculturalism in the post-multicultural debate: a defence.

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Policy Studies
• Sociology

Background:

• The current diversity policy debate is shaped by the limitations of the multicultural policy paradigm.
• A resurgence of national civic policy, prioritizing duties over rights, provides context for new approaches.
• Contemporary issues include transnationalism, evolving identities, superdiversity, and rising anti-immigrant populism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To defend the emerging intercultural policy paradigm within the current migration-related diversity policy debate.
• To contextualize interculturalism within the post-multicultural period and alongside national civic policy.
• To identify distinctive features of interculturalism that legitimize its role in contemporary policy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of intercultural policy origins and current trends.
• Argumentation based on contextualizing interculturalism within post-multiculturalism and national civic policy.
• Analysis of interculturalism's distinct features and policy goals.

Main Results:

• Intercultural policy is positioned in a post-multicultural context, acknowledging multiculturalism's strengths and weaknesses.
• Interculturalism prioritizes a contacts-based approach, fostering communication and relationships.
• Diversity is viewed as an asset, aiming for community cohesion and an inclusive public culture.

Conclusions:

• Intercultural policy offers a distinct and legitimate approach to managing diversity.
• It addresses challenges that the previous multicultural project struggled with, such as superdiversity and anti-immigrant populism.
• Further research is proposed to consolidate interculturalism as a key policy paradigm.