From Multiculturalism to Cultural Voluntarism: A Family‐based Approach

Abstract

In the context of the current debate on multiculturalism, this article draws on three models of state policies towards families to propose a reframing of multiculturalist policies. They are the ‘authorisation’ model, wherein the state authorises families to define and enforce family obligations as law; the ‘delegation’ model, wherein the state prescribes the norms families are to follow and delegates to families the role of enforcing them; and the ‘purposive abstention’ model, wherein the state uses the voluntary performance family norms as a tool of policy, giving them limited legal recognition within the continued application of the general law. The article considers how these models might guide policy towards communities, which can be seen, substantially, as collections of families. It favours the ‘purposive abstention’ model, which, in the context of cultural groups, could be termed ‘cultural voluntarism’.

Self-Restraint: Social Norms, Individualism and the Family

“…I have argued elsewhere that the models described above can be applied to state policies towards religious or cultural groups. 64 For example, the "authorization" model operates at a community level in those countries which permit religious groups to apply their own law as the "personal" law of their members. I have suggested that the "purposive abstention" model, which in the cultural context I called "cultural voluntarism," should, as a general rule, be followed.…”