Multicultural Horizons: Diversity and the Limits of the Civil Nation (International Library of Sociology)

Multiculturalism is and always has been a deeply emotive and highly contested issue. The intensity of feeling that multiculturalism invariably ignites is considered in this timely analysis of how the 'New Britain' of the 21stcentury is variously re-imagined as multicultural. Introducing the concept of 'multicultural intimacies', Anne-Marie Fortier offers a new form of critical engagement with the cultural politics of multiculturalism, one that attends to ideals of mixing, loving thy neighbour and feelings for the nation. in the first study of its kind, Fortier considers the anxieties, desires, and issues that form representations of 'multicultural Britain' available in the British public domain. She investigates; - the significance of gender, sex, generations and kinship, as well as race and ethnicity, in debates about cultural difference - the consolidation of religion as a marker of absolute difference - 'moral racism', the criteria for good citizenship and the limits of civility This book presents a unique analysis of multiculturalism that draws on insights from critical race studies, feminist and queer studies, postcolonialism, and psychoanalysis. The book will appeal to undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers interested in the cultural politics of neo-liberal ideals of diversity management, tolerance, and the national fantasy.Anne-Marie Fortier is the author of 'Multicultural Horizons: Diversity and the Limits of the Civil Nation (International Library of Sociology)', published 2008 under ISBN 9780415396080 and ISBN 0415396085.