European multiculturalisms: Cultural, religious and ethnic challenges

Proposes a common European intellectual framework to evaluate recent developments in European multiculturalism. The heightened security awareness in the wake of the 9/11 attacks and the London and Madrid bombings has resulted in a 'crisis of multiculturalism'. Now is the time to look at the renewed challenges that multiculturalism faces today. Each chapter in this interdisciplinary book reviews the actual state of affairs in several countries in relation to the theories behind immigrant minority claims. With a special focus on Muslim immigrants, the contributors look at the value issues entrenched in multiculturalism and the policy challenges and measures adopted to address them. Key features: Focuses on 7 European countries: Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece and Spain; Gives an overview of different approaches to multiculturalism; Looks at issues of citizenship, diversity, civic recognition, gender, religious diversity & education, integration, anti-discrimination policies and social policy. Approaches multiculuralism in 5 ways: Charts the legal, political and educational challenges posed by migration-related religious, ethnic and cultural diversity in European countries. Applies political theory to these practical challenges and the value systems involved. Assesses the policy solutions adopted in different countries. Compares different policies and models, and how they are implemented. Discusses whether all solutions are bound in their national contexts or whether they are relevant across Europe.