6.7.4 Managing Pluralism and Identity
Politicians need to be careful in managing pluralism and identity, for peaceful coexistence despite the pressures of immigration.
Pluralism is the term used in this book to refer to the features of a society that arise from the presence of multiple ethnic groups, where the term ‘ethnic’ encompasses racial, tribal, national, cultural and religious categorisations. Most countries have housed people of more than one ethnic origin for a long time. Recently, though, immigration is causing anxiety in several wealthy countries as people try to move to them for work or safety (3.4.3). It is contentious and the subject comes up repeatedly in blog posts on this website.
Immigration could be reduced by paying attention to the causes. Some parts of the world need help in adapting to climate change (3.5.7), and it is economically beneficial to help all developing parts of the world (3.5.8). The next two sections describe the political issues in managing environmental challenges (6.7.5) and helping poorer countries (6.7.6). Some immigration is unavoidable, though, and some is desirable.
It is too easy to stir up hostility against immigrants. As described earlier, it is possible for many ethnic groups to live together harmoniously (4.4.1) but there is always an underlying potential for ethnic conflict (4.4.5). ‘Alt-right’ nationalist politicians such as Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson and Donald Trump can stir up trouble deliberately in order to attract support (6.2.4.6). Ethnicity then becomes a high-profile issue that can dominate the political agenda.
Even without the interference of trouble-making politicians, ethnicity is a sensitive issue – as outlined in the following sub-sections:
● Immigration is a politically sensitive topic, requiring careful management (6.7.4.1). Necessary measures include public service provision and residence permits, largely under local political control..
● As noted above, politicians can seek support from people based on their identity – leading to ‘identity politics’ (6.7.4.2). The entire political system then becomes a vehicle for expressing conflict.
● Immigrants can be pressurised to assimilate into the culture of the host country (6.7.4.3), but they may resent this and assert their separate identity in defiance of the host country.
● They can be allowed to maintain their previous culture and live parallel lives: ‘multiculturalism’ (6.7.4.4). Inevitably some groups will feel that they are discriminated against, though, which leads to tensions.
● Perhaps the best way of managing pluralism and identity is for immigrants to negotiate with the host country, to reach a mutually-acceptable compromise: ‘inclusivity’ (6.7.4.5). The majority need to accept some adjustments, and the immigrants must make some effort to integrate.
● It is possible for ethnic groups to be politically represented without making ethnicity a central feature of the political system (6.7.4.6). Formal consultation with recognised religious leaders can be helpful.
● A sense of belonging to a political identity is desirable (6.7.4.7). If this consists of a sense of shared history and shared values, it can unify people – avoiding a divisive emphasis on race or religion.
● Ethnic groups should be treated as politically equal (6.7.4.8). Governments should be explicitly tolerant of all cultures, rather than trying to privilege a single group.
● Education is crucially important in fostering inclusiveness (6.7.4.9). Every school should be required to teach an understanding of all the religious faiths.
This page is intended to form part of Edition 4 of the Patterns of Power series of books. An archived copy of it is held at https://www.patternsofpower.org/edition04/674g.htm.