Multiculturalism to Integration

This chapter discusses the conceptual and theoretical debate around multiculturalism, integration and interculturalism. The analysis focuses specifically on the liberal and liberal critiques of multiculturalism and examines the development in the debate. It further analyses whether other theoretical concepts, for example integration and interculturalism, are able to resolve issues based on religio-cultural practices and are considered fundamental to a minority group. The book argues that whether it is multiculturalism, integration or interculturalism, the importance of dialogue between the host and the immigrant community cannot be ignored. However, it is argued here that the dialogue needs to be initiated at two levels: between the government and the community leaders, as has been argued by Parekh; and between the traditional and conservative sections of the community and the moderate voices within the community itself. It is emphasised that the dialogue within the community between the liberal, moderate, traditional and conservative groups would make integration much easier than an approach that supports an assimilationist approach from the dominant group. Such an approach, it is argued, could further harden the community and may be detrimental to the integration of the society as a whole.