Multicultural Policies Research Articles

The Fashioning of the Homo Economicus (Economic Citizen): Reflections on Migration and Integration

ABSTRACT This paper critically explores what is meant by integration and the expectations that come with it, and how the ‘right’ kind of economic citizen (homo economicus – defined as the subject of neoliberalism) gets produced through social work practice with immigrants. Specifically, this paper engages in critical reflection on a participant's narrative that is derived from a larger study by probing the expansion of immigrant selection in Canada, the policy of multiculturalism as Canada's most recognized policy as it pertains to integration, and how they coalesce and shape settlement work with immigrants. This paper concludes with a discussion on how to begin to address concerns that surround social work practice with immigrants by way of (a) critical interrogation of neoliberal discourse especially how the interlocking architecture of individualism and capitalism have developed to shape how social workers are positioned and newcomers are constructed (i.e. made into a neoliberal subject); (b) how this could promote the discourse of integration through practice that is embued in discourses of pathology; and (c) how to incorporate social work interventions that are policy related and situated at a macro-systems level.

From Multiculturalism to Nativism: The Dynamics of Scientific Approaches

The article examines the changes in perceptions of the policy of multiculturalism and the reasons for its abandonment in a number of European countries and the transition to nativism. The author defines multiculturalism and nativism. The history of the emergence of these concepts is analyzed. The article provides an overview of the topics of modern research on multiculturalism and nativism by foreign and domestic scholars. Different views on these issues are analyzed. Not all scholars agree that multiculturalism is in crisis. Some believe that there is a change in the forms and methods of implementing this policy currently changing. The article shows the connection between the policy of multiculturalism and its criticism with the processes of migration in the era of globalization. It is noted that immigrants who become citizens of the European countries that receive them are mostly carriers of a different political culture from that which exists in countries with developed democracies. Attention is paid to the possibility of accelerating the process of integration of immigrants into Western society and their assimilation of its values. The article also discusses the question of whether the compulsory integration of immigrants affects the attitude of Europeans towards them. The article highlights the impact of the crisis of multiculturalism policy and the rise of nativism on the changing party landscape. These changes are associated with a shift in public sentiment, political preferences of voters, and a preference for right-wing populist parties, which are also called “anti-immigrant” parties. Even though they are not the majority in the representative bodies of European countries, right-wing populist parties have managed to change immigration policy in some of them to their satisfaction. The rejection of multiculturalism creates the preconditions for increased conflict in society, as well as the spread of xenophobia, crime, and unconventional protests. In the conditions of information war, hostile countries can use the existing contradictions in European countries to destabilize the situation. The study of these issues is relevant, as it allows for timely detection and prevention of conflicts, preservation of stability, and strengthening of democracy.

Cabecitas Blancas: settler colonialism, racial capitalism and the (im)mobility of borders for Yucatecan migrant families

In this paper, I analyse the intersection of settler colonialism, racial capitalism and border violence by examining Cabecitas Blancas a project run by the Yucatecan government to reunite families divided by the US-Mexican border. A unique program in Mexico, Cabecitas Blancas helps elders who have not seen their children living in the United States for at least 10 years, due to their children’s precarious immigration status, reunite for a short period of time. I have developed the term tramitología to show the way the settler colonial state monitors and restrict Indigenous mobility by designating who is “worthy” of government support. I demonstrate how the flow of mostly Maya elders via Cabecitas Blancas between borders is facilitated only because they become state commodities that sustain racial capitalism via tourism and multicultural policies. Ultimately, I argue that reform programs such as Cabecitas Blancas enable and (re)produce exploitation, settler colonialism and border violence. This paper draws on semi-structured interviews with government officials as well as YouTube videos and online news articles depicting different stages of the program.

The M in Multiculturalism Stands for Myth: The Performative Idealization in Canada’s Multicultural Policies

As described on the Government of Canada’s online database, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act of 1988 is a piece of federal legislation intended to recognize multiculturalism as a fundamental characteristic of Canadian society and to preserve diverse cultural identities (Ministry of Justice, 2014, p. 1). Despite this promise, the Canadian government has failed to adequately recognize the various cultures that have been assimilated and destroyed in the name of preserving the Canadian identity. Further, many of these communities suffer from the results of institutionally constructed hate that has been directed towards them to this day. Examining the origins of Canada as it developed through the lens of Chinese Canadian and Indigenous communities, this paper will examine how assimilation is encouraged for members of these groups and new immigrants in present-day Canada, most notably in Quebec. By looking at the past and present contexts of Indigenous and Chinese Canadian communities as well as assimilation tactics in Quebec that prevent various emerging cultural identities from developing, this paper will argue that multiculturalism is sold as a performative idealization in Canada.

Transformasi Identitas: Australia dari Era Immigration Resstiction Act 1901 Menuju Masa Multikultural

In this study, the researcher wants to describe several developments that occurred in Australia during the implementation of the Immigration Restriction Act policy and the existence of multicultural policies that influenced the challenges of Australian social life at that time. The method used is qualitative through historical research using library research as a search for sources and information. The results of this research show that Australia is an immigration country, where Australia is one of the countries that needs a lot of labor, but in contrast, the population of Australia itself is very small and in addition, it lost its population due to participation in World War II (Pacific). If Australia implements the Immigration Restriction Act, it is very unsuitable because it limits immigration movements, especially for Asians, who incidentally are more numerous than Europeans. Therefore, to develop its country, Australia must understand and accept cultures from various national backgrounds by transforming its identity from monocultural to multicultural. So a multicultural policy is needed by Australia to eliminate acts of discrimination due to the Immigration Restriction Act policy

A scar on the territory: neoliberal multiculturalism and the Temuco bypass

ABSTRACT This article analyzes the racialized subjectivities created by the Temuco bypass. This infrastructure project saw the rerouting of Route 5 (the Chilean section of the Pan-American Highway) through protected indigenous Mapuche lands in the 1990s and early 2000s. The government promoted this project as an emblematic example of success in multicultural negotiation; however, Mapuche leaders and protests along Route 5 represented it as one more case in a long history of state policies reducing indigenous protected lands. Exploring documents published by the Ministry of Public Works, state laws and decrees, written press, conclusions of Mapuche congresses, the documentary film Bypass Temuco: Ta iñ newentumun by Esteban Villarroel, and material traces along Route 5, the article argues that the Temuco bypass provides an example of neoliberal multicultural policy that creates a racialized boundary between a sanctioned indigeneity and its excluded Other. The state uses these subjectivities as a governmentality strategy where multiculturalism integrates indigenous populations (only) as cultural differences susceptible to being commodified, while actively marginalizing non-conforming groups. Roadblocks in the area, conversely, challenge this boundary, revealing the failures of this integrationist narrative and exposing Route 5’s disconnects in material, cultural, and political terms.

Research on the experience and lessons of ethnic and religious governance in the EU under the rise of populism

As a community of multicultural and religions, the effective governance of ethnic and religious affairs is of great significance for maintaining the stability within the EU and promoting the harmony and cooperation among member states. The EU has strengthened ethnic and religious governance by promoting multicultural policies, implementing regional policies, establishing conflict prevention and mediation mechanisms, promoting cross-border cooperation and integration process, focusing on protecting the rights and freedom of citizens, establishing a legal and policy framework, and strengthening dialogue. However, under the rise of populism, the EU is severely challenged, including the intensification of immigration and refugee problems, the insufficient response to religious extremism and terrorist threats and the lack of coherence and consistency of policies, the lack of effective communication and dialogue mechanisms, and insufficient regulation.The article suggests vigilance the dangers of populism, strengthening the rule of law, focusing on education and publicity, preventing and responding to extremism, and promoting the integration of economic development and society. The EU has taken measures, such as promoting legal policy making, strengthening dialogue mechanisms and the governance of migrants, but it still needs to focus on social integration to maintain stability and solidarity. Other countries can learn from the EU experience and develop religious governance strategies adapted to their own situation.

Anti-racist beauty micro-enterprises: Black women’s subversive entrepreneurship in Cali, Colombia

ABSTRACT This paper explores how Black women entrepreneurs in Cali, Colombia confront racism and sexism, as they engage in the expanding neoliberal beauty market. We argue that anti-racist entrepreneurial experiences in Cali are shaped by four interconnected processes: First, changes in gender and development policies, aligned with inclusive neoliberal development projects. Second, the limitations of state neoliberal multicultural policies, which has made activists aware of the need to address racism and sexism. Third, activist’s appropriation of the intersectional turn, allowing them to recognize articulations between racism, classism and sexism. Fourth, the adoption of anti-neoliberal discourses supporting distributive and solidarity practices. Our analysis suggests that while entrepreneurial anti-racist actions do not generate radical or permanent changes in the beauty industry, they do have material and symbolic effects in Black women’s experiences of racial justice.

Strengthening Romani Voices in Colombia: Reflections on a Participatory Approach

Latin America’s diverse Romani populations are seldom represented in policy debates, and frequently misrepresented in popular culture and the mainstream media. In Colombia, the Proceso Organizativo del Pueblo Rrom de Colombia (Organizational Process of the Roma People of Colombia, Prorrom), among other organisations, was established to promote Romani inclusion in the country’s multicultural policies. But despite legal recognition of Romani populations in Colombia, their identity continues to be framed officially in aesthetic terms that reinforce prevailing stereotypes. This article reflects on our collaboration with Prorrom in the design and delivery of two workshops in Bogotá, where 32 appointed Romani cultural mediators are hired by the District Secretaries and other official institutions to provide input around census-taking and policy actions. Although government agencies rely on Romani mediators for decision-making, the mediators receive little if any training for their role, and often find it difficult to overcome stereotypes that stigmatise or exoticise. Our collaborative workshops addressed this problem, creating spaces for the co-creation of tools and resources to better engage with government bodies, strengthening Romani capacity to better advocate for inclusion and anti-racism. The article offers a brief history of Romani presence in Colombia, and an outline of the specific issues Romani populations face in the country. We then examine the problems identified by Romani mediators, which our collaborative workshops addressed. Finally, we explore how Romani participants viewed the collaborative process and its outcome, in their own words, and reflect on our own learning.

АНГЛІЙСЬКА МОВА В ПУБЛІЧНОМУ УПРАВЛІННІ: СВІТОВА ПРАКТИКА ТА КРОКИ ДО ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКОЇ ІНТЕГРАЦІЇ

The demand for English proficiency is increasing substantially all over the world as the language dominates every walk of life. It has remained one of the working languages of the EU and the Council of Europe, which gives it even greater significance. The purpose of the article is to analyze the experience of incorporating English into the sphere of public administration of foreign countries and review the initiatives directed to supporting the promotion of English as a communication tool of public officials. The article discusses the requirements for English proficiency in the countries’ civil service systems as well as the attempts made to improve English fluency of public officials. It has been discovered that when appointing civil servants, most national governments in Europe require proficiency only in the official (state or national) language, which reflects the EU language policy of multilingualism and multiculturalism. It is highlighted that Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia appear to be the only countries within the EU that oblige their civil servants at the official level to present a certificate or otherwise prove language fluency. The work in the EU bodies presupposes knowledge of one of the working languages of the EU. Asian countries (China, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc.) tend to set the knowledge of English for public officials as a prerequisite for appointment more often. Research has demonstrated that the Ukrainian government has made attempts to improve the level of the English language among civil servants since its European integration aspirations, by cooperating with national and international organizations, arranging workshops, professional development courses in English, providing opportunities for joining self-study courses and platforms. Nonetheless, more measures must be taken to motivate, stimulate and encourage the development of civil servants’ English skills.

Multicultural conversations: The nature and future of culture, identity and nationalism

Despite well-known criticism of multiculturalism in Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Australia, India and elsewhere since 9/11, such policies have proliferated ( Banting and Kymlicka, 2013 ; Mathieu, 2018 ) and the Canadian and Australian policies of multiculturalism have since celebrated their 50th birthdays. Political theories of multiculturalism have proliferated in this period too ( Lenard, 2022 ; Modood, 2007/2013 ; Patten, 2014 ; Parekh, 2006 , 2019 ; Phillips, 2007 ; Tyler, 2011 ). Schools of multiculturalist thought have been identified ( Levey, 2019 ; Uberoi and Modood, 2019 ), as have contextual methods in the political theory and normative sociology of multiculturalism ( Modood, 2020 ; Modood and Thompson, 2018 ). New historical inquiries into the origins of the political thought of multiculturalism have begun ( Tyler, 2017 ; Uberoi, 2021 ) and the ideas of multiculturalists have been altered to defend majority rights ( Koopmans and Orgad, 2022 ). Current and former politicians continue to debate its merits ( Braverman, 2023 ; Denham, 2023 ). Policies of multiculturalism and multiculturalist ideas have thus proved more resilient than many had thought. In the following conversation chaired by James Connelly, which took place on 20 June 2023, Bhikhu Parekh, Tariq Modood, Varun Uberoi, and Colin Tyler discuss the history, varied natures, and future of the contested multiculturalist ideas of “culture,” “identity” and “nationalism”.

The Impact of Canada’s Multiculturalism Policy on the Employment Rates of High-Skilled Immigrants

This study examines the impact of Canada’s multiculturalism policy on the employment rates of high-skilled immigrants in STEM fields from 2000 to 2020. Utilizing a quantitative research design, the study integrates cross-sectional and longitudinal data from Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey (LFS) and the Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB) to provide a comprehensive analysis. The findings indicate that multiculturalism policies have had a generally positive effect on the employment outcomes of high-skilled immigrants, particularly through initiatives supporting credential recognition, language training, and inclusive hiring practices. However, significant challenges remain, including difficulties in foreign credential recognition, language barriers, and systemic biases in hiring practices. By comparing employment trends and analyzing factors influencing employment outcomes, the study highlights the areas where policy and support measures need to be strengthened to enhance the integration of high-skilled immigrants into Canada’s STEM workforce. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers and employers to further improve the effectiveness of multiculturalism policies and support the successful employment of high-skilled immigrants.

‘Am I both or not?’: The role of perceived societal norms of multiculturalism in negotiating bicultural identities

AbstractThe present study explored the role of perceived societal norms of multiculturalism in the engagement of cultural identity styles (hybridising‐HIS and altenating‐AIS) and, in turn, their impact on bicultural identity consolidation and cultural identity conflict. We examined 293 Chinese Americans' perceptions about the extent to which culturally diverse groups are in contact with one another (multicultural contact); whether diversity is valued and appreciated (multicultural ideology); and whether there are policies and practices that support and accommodate diversity (multicultural policies and practices) in the United States. Results from a path analysis showed that multicultural ideology was negatively associated with AIS and cultural identity conflict. Multicultural contact was positively associated with HIS and bicultural identity consolidation. Multicultural policies and practices had no significant associations. The findings underscore the important role of perceived societal acceptance of multicultural ideology and perceived norms of multicultural contact in managing cultural identities. Furthermore, the study highlights that perceived multiculturalism norms as societal‐level factors combined with individual‐level cultural identity styles can influence the identity outcomes of multicultural individuals. Further research into the role of perceived societal norms for both majority and cultural minority individuals in identity integration is warranted.

Multiculturalism, Islamophobia and the Muslim Minority in Australia: A Reflection

Australia’s approach to multiculturalism has been a journey of evolving policies and societal shifts. The country’s immigration policies in the 1960s marked a significant departure from the restrictive ‘White Australia’ policy, leading to a more diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious population. Recognizing the potential for value and norm conflicts, the Australian government adopted multiculturalism as a state ideology, aiming to foster social cohesion and reduce inter-community conflicts. This policy has been largely successful in managing conflicts, as evidenced by the relatively low incidence of political, ethnic, and religious violence, including terrorism, compared to other nations. The positive impact of multiculturalism is evident in the thriving Australian Muslim communities, which, along with other ethnic and religious groups, have been able to preserve their cultural heritage. These communities contribute significantly to the social and economic fabric of the nation. However, despite the overarching success of multiculturalism, challenges persist. The Muslim minority in Australia has faced Islamophobia, manifesting in both overt attacks and subtle forms of discrimination. This has been a complex issue, with some Muslim groups maintaining a degree of exclusivity and engaging in identity politics, while also recognizing and embracing the broader multicultural ethos that has become an integral part of Australia’s identity. The Australian government has continued to refine its multicultural policies, with initiatives aimed at promoting anti-racism, access, and equity since 2010. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to diversity, belonging, and inclusion, which encompasses Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as well. The policy landscape is complemented by state and territory policies that further support multiculturalism. Despite the progress, the experiences of Australian Muslims highlight the ongoing need for vigilance against discrimination. Reports indicate that Australian Muslims are a diverse group, facing stereotypes and prejudice that can perpetuate social tensions. The Australian Human Rights Commission has emphasized the importance of sharing the stories of Australian Muslims to foster understanding and address Islamophobia. The Commission’s findings underscore the need for a national anti-racism framework and strong leadership to combat discrimination and support social cohesion. While Australia’s multicultural policy has been a beacon of successful integration and social harmony, it is clear that the journey is not complete. The nation continues to grapple with the dual realities of a celebrated multicultural society and the undercurrents of intolerance that challenge it. The experiences of the Australian Muslim community serve as a reminder of the work that remains to be done in ensuring that multiculturalism is not just a state ideology but a lived reality for all Australians. The path forward lies in education, awareness, and institutional change that upholds the values of diversity and inclusion for every individual in the nation.

Recategorization of Multicultural Policy Models and Its Implications

Purpose: This study explores its implications by categorizing existing models related to multicultural policies more concisely. There are four types of existing multicultural policy-related models. In other words, it is divided into Differential Exclusionary Model, Assimilation Model, Multiculturalism Model, Cultural Pluralism Model. If the common issues underlying the four models are analyzed and then structured based on the issues, it is expected that a more concise and clear multicultural policy-related model can be derived. Method: Four models are re-categorized, focusing on common issues. Based on the re-categorized results, it is named to match the characteristics of the model. After deriving a newly re-categorized and named model, its implications are explored. Results: A common issue lies at the base of the existing four models related to multicultural policy. A common issue is how to establish the relationship between diversity and integration. Differential Exclusionary Model and Assimilation Model share the view that diversity undermines integration. This point of view can be named ‘Conflict between Diversity and Integrity Model’. On the other hand, Multiculturalism Model and Cultural Pluralism Model share the view that diversity and integration can coexist. This perspective can be categorized as Coexistence between Diversity and Integrity Model. Conclusion: Existing multicultural policy-related models can be re-categorized into ‘Conflict between Diversity and Integrity Model’ and ‘Coexistence between Diversity and Integrity Model’. In the ‘Conflict between Diversity and Integrity Model’, diversity and integration are set as incommensurable domains. In the ‘Coexistence between Diversity and Integrity Model’, diversity and integration are set as commensurable domains. Furthermore, using a series of strategies, ‘Conflict between Diversity and Integrity Model’ can be transformed to ‘Coexistence between Diversity and Integrity Model’.

Perceptions of the Size of the Foreign-Born Population: Do Changes in Multicultural Policies Shape Beliefs?

Perceptions of the Size of the Foreign-Born Population: Do Changes in Multicultural Policies Shape Beliefs?

Public Opinions on Freedom of Speech and Prohibited Hate Speech against Islam and Muslims

This article scrutinizes the public debate in Sweden that followed the heated riots that took place with the burning of the Quran that were conduct by Rasmus Paludan in spring 2022. The Easter holiday in 2022, that coincided with Ramadan, served as the backdrop for the Danish-Swedish provoker Rasmus Paludan. Our study is based on a close reading of 71 public opinion articles that were published during April and May 2022, i.e., just after the so-called Easter riots. We argue that the discussion that followed Paludan’s public rallies in Sweden unfolds a dilemma between on the one hand freedom of speech and freedom of religion on the other. By deploying a critical discourse analyses this study helps us to notice the discursive orders that regulated the debate but more over toward what new interdiscursive patterns it was moving. The overall results indicates that the riots are mainly viewed as a result of a failed multicultural policy in which Islam is talked about as an obstacle for liberal democracy and thus freedom of speech. For example, material reasons, poverty, unemployment, racism is largely left out of the debate.

The Arc of Nordic Multiculturalism Policies (1974–2006). A Divergent Convergence

Abstract Nordic countries are similar when it comes to migratory trends. However, when the ‘multicultural question’ erupted in the 1970s, they opted for different policies. In the early 2000s, some scholars analysed a retreat from multiculturalism policies and a civic integrationist turn. Yet, our knowledge of the processes of convergence or divergence per se of these policies is still limited. Using the comparative method, this article shows that, during that period of time, the five Nordic countries were divided into two camps, with little mixing in terms of policy content: multiculturalist (Sweden and Norway) and assimilationist (Denmark and Iceland). Finland shifted its policy from assimilation to multiculturalism in the 1990s, when it became a country of immigration. It adopted the same range of multicultural policies as Sweden and Norway; Sweden was the leader on this and Denmark was the least multiculturalist. Negative feedback was the most recurrent mechanism of policy reproduction.

Understanding Indo-Canadian Sikh Women’s Challenges after Covid-19

Abstract This paper focuses on Indo-Canadian Sikh women’s issues after Covid-19 and their challenges of diasporic consciousness. It is based on a study conducted with face-to-face interviews in Victoria, Canada, to assess these women’s post-Covid-19 challenges in healthcare and employment and their diasporic dual identity crisis. The research addressed questions like: What are the challenges of Indo-Canadian Sikh women in Canada after Covid-19 and the impact of current political affairs? What are women’s integration challenges (perhaps insecurity, discrimination, etc.)? This research is significant for understanding the difficulties of Indo-Canadian Sikh women as a vulnerable group in terms of diasporic dual consciousness, racial discrimination and post-Covid experiences. Discussions on identity incorporate a diasporic theoretical understanding of the dual identity crisis and elaborate on Canadian multicultural policy from a political perspective.

Intercultural Cities: Enriching Australian Multiculturalism?

ABSTRACT Since its inception in 2008, the Council of Europe’s Intercultural Cities program (ICC) has been gaining traction in increasingly diverse parts of the world. In 2017 and 2018 respectively, the City of Ballarat and the City of Melton became the first Australian cities to join the network. This ‘intercultural turn’ in local government signals a significant development in Australian diversity policy. To date, however, it has received limited scholarly attention. To help address this gap, this paper draws on interviews and focus groups with the architects of the intercultural turn to investigate the policy motivations that propelled it and the policy shifts that it brought about. The paper also engages with policy and theoretical debates about the nature and scope of interculturalism as an approach to diversity policy that may transcend some of the limitations of multiculturalism. Ultimately, the paper argues that interculturalism offers a valuable contribution to Australia’s multicultural policy framework, but that combining the two perspectives may be more complicated than prevailing views suggest.