The retreat of multiculturalism in the liberal state: theory and policy¹

Abstract

This article discusses a recent retreat of multiculturalism in the liberal state. This retreat has occurred both at the level of theory and policy. With the help of some recent liberal critiques of multiculturalism, the first part maps out some shortcomings of the notion of minority integration through cultural recognition, particularly with respect to immigrants. The second part discusses a retreat from multiculturalism policies in three states that had been prominently committed to them: Australia, the Netherlands, and Britain. This practical retreat of multiculturalism is due to a variety of factors, their importance differing across cases: the chronic lack of public support for multiculturalism policies; inherent deficits and failures of multiculturalism policies, especially in socio-economic respect; and a new assertiveness of the liberal state to impose liberal principles.

Relations between Second-Language Proficiency and National Identification: The Case of Immigrants in Germany

“…Joppke (2004) proposes that states are increasingly moving away from the notion that it is their task to "force identities upon people" (p. 254). Yet the decline of ethnicizing does not mark the victory of multiculturalism.…”

Setting the bar - an experimental investigation of immigration requirements

“…Even before the recent economic downturn in many OECD countries, several governments have set more restrictive requirements for immigration, settlement and citizenship (Brubaker 2001, Joppke 2004. Anti-immigration sentiment is often seen as a response to increased immigration and ethnic diversity levels in recent decades, especially in Western European countries (OECD 2012b).…”

“…Examples of a restrictive trend in immigration policy include income or employment requirements as well as language and civic knowledge requirements for immigration, settlement and naturalization (van Oers et al 2010;Joppke 2004;Joppke 2007;Groenendijk 2011;Carrera et al 2009;Bauböck and Joppke 2010). In most OECD countries, immigrants have to provide evidence for a certain level of economic resources 1 in order to be allowed to legally immigrate for work purposes, to reunite with family members, to be permitted permanent residence (settlement) or to be eligible for naturalization (see Goodman 2010 for an overview; Healy and Reichel 2013).…”

Neo-assimilationist citizenship and belonging policies in Britain: Meanings for transnational migrants in northern England

“…Joppke 2004, Kofman 2005, Tyler 2010). My own evolving thinking on this topic is in the context of research with migrants in Britain who embody transnational and stretched belongings (Waite 2009, Waite andCook 2010).…”