Liberal multiculturalism reconsidered

Knight, C. (2004) Liberal multiculturalism reconsidered. Politics, 24(3), pp. 189-197. (doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9256.2004.00219.x)

Abstract

This article starts by setting out the evaluative criteria provided by Will Kymlicka's liberal account of individual freedom and equality. Kymlicka's theory of cultural minority rights is then analysed using these criteria and found to be defective in two respects. First, his assignment of different rights to national and ethnic groups is shown to be inegalitarian with regard to generations after the first. Second, his recommendation of strong cultural protections is shown in some circumstances to undermine freedom and equality. Towards the end of the article a policy of gradual and inclusive assimilation is described that may effectively promote the freedom and opportunities of members of cultural minorities. In conclusion, group-specific rights may, as Kymlicka says, be justified in liberal terms, but only where they differ in content from those he proposes.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Knight, Dr Carl
• Authors: Knight, C.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
• Journal Name: Politics
• Publisher: Blackwell Publishing
• ISSN: 0263-3957
• ISSN (Online): 1467-9256
• Published Online: 13 August 2004
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2004 Political Studies Association
• First Published: First published in Politics 24(3): 189-197
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy