Everyday ways of thinking about multiculturalism

Abstract

This article examines the everyday thinking on multiculturalism of majority group members in The Netherlands. Using material from two empirical studies, it investigates what ethnic Dutch people think about multiculturalism and how they justify or criticize multicultural notions. The first study examines the reasons and arguments perceived to exist in society for supporting or questioning multiculturalism. This study maps the meanings that have been created within Dutch society in response to increased ethnic diversity. The reasons used to justify or criticize multiculturalism were found to form two sets of arguments. The second study examines the ways that people in the context of an interview actually construct different versions of multiculturalism and account for their positions. Here, the focus is on the interpretations used and the discursive consequences of their deployment. Two main interpretations were identified and it is shown how these are actually and strategically used to justify and criticize particular ideas and views on multiculturalism. Copyright © 2004 SAGE Publications.