When I hear the word culture …

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis afterword summarizes the principal contributions of the articles in this collection, noting both common themes and points of difference. All six articles highlight serious problems and unintended consequences that result when the recognition of rights grounded in cultural difference, or expressions of respect for cultural particularity, take place without engaging the deep structural inequalities that accompany cultural plurality. They also raise key differences, some contextual others conceptual, as to people’s experiences in effectively using openings of cultural recognition towards more expansive ends. Consequential differences also arise as to the best practical and theoretical means to contest racism. Especially in these dangerous times, my argument (and theirs) is not against cultural rights and recognition, but rather, in favour of approaches that critically appraise both the possibilities and limitations of such struggles – that is, to finish the sentence, ‘when I hear the word culture … ’ taking seriously its cautionary message.