The Multiculturalism of Fear

by Levy, Jacob T.

• ISBN13: 9780198297123
• ISBN10: 0198297122
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2000-10-19
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

This vital new liberal account of multiculturalism combines an analysis of the policy dilemmas faced by multiethnic states around the world with a philosophical consideration of multiculturalism and nationalism. Jacob T. Levy boldly argues that liberalism should not be centrally concerned with either preserving or transcending cultural communities, practices, and identities. Rather, he contends that liberalism should focus on mitigating evils such as inter-ethnic civil wars and state violence against ethnic minorities. In order for this "multiculturalism of fear" to be grounded in the realities of ethnic politics and conflict, it must take seriously the importance people place on their ethnic identities and cultural practices without falling into a celebration of cultural belonging. Levy applies his approach to a variety of policy problems, including the regulation of sexist practices inside cultural communities, secession and national self-determination, land rights, and customary law, and draws on cases from such diverse states as Australia, Canada, Israel, India, South Africa, and the United States.

Author Biography

Jacob T. Levy is Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago.

Table of Contents

PART I: POLITICAL THEORY IN A MULTIETHNIC WORLD
Introduction: Political Theory, Multiculturalism, and Nationalism	3	(16)
The Multiculturalism of Fear	19	(21)
Cruelty and Conflict in Multiethnic Politics	40	(29)
PART II: THE MORAL IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL MEMBERSHIP?
The Impossibility of Universal Nationalism	69	(29)
Pluralism, Diversity, and Preserving Cultural Communities	98	(27)
PART III: CATEGORIES AND CASES
Classifying Cultural Rights	125	(36)
Incorporating Indigenous Law	161	(36)
Blood and Soil, Place or Property: Liberalism, Land, and Ethnicity	197	(25)
Ethnic Symbolism and Official Apologies	222	(27)
Afterword	249	(2)
Bibliography	251	(13)
Cases Cited	264	(1)
Index	265