Multiculturalism: Commonality, Diversity and Psychological Integration

Abstract

Many things have changed in British society since the bombing of London on 7th July 2005 – in the way we are talking about multiculturalism and about Britishness, and also in the way we are talking about multiculturalism at the European level. This calls for a deep discussion on the topic in an attempt to find a way to go beyond the fears and mutual misunderstandings that we have today. This chapter will raise some points about these issues and try to bring to the fore two dimensions. The first is the necessary theoretical discussion, and the second some practical answers at the grassroots level. The aim is to try to find a way, or ways, to build something that is a true multicultural society or a real dynamic helping the citizens to be at the same time citizens and respecting each others’ culture or religion.