Multiculturalism's Double-Bind

John Nagle, Research Associate, INCORE, University of Ulster, UK

'This book is the authoritative guide to multiculturalism as concept, controversy and practice. It not only provides a comprehensive and lucid critique of all the key theories and debates, but does so through rigorous reflection around a compelling body of rich ethnography. Nagle’s insights into the London Irish and their relationships to multiculturalism and the state reopen a wider debate that is both timely and necessary.' Hastings Donnan, Queen’s University Belfast, UK 'Currently, there is a haunting pessimism circulating across the state, media and popular culture about the implosion of British multiculturalism. In response, this highly original and moving text offers innovative insights into how we live with difference. The globally based London Irish diaspora are creatively deployed to rethink the multifaceted aspects of a rapidly changing society, politics and culture. This challenging book is a must read; written in a wonderful style, combining scholarship and accessibility that will appeal to academics, policy makers and the general reader.' Mairtin Mac an Ghaill, University of Birmingham, UK

• Chapter 1 Introduction: Multiculturalism’s Double Bind; Chapter 1a The Global City, Community and Multiculturalism; Chapter 2 Mobilizing for Multiculturalism; Chapter 3 The Village Hall: Multicultural Community Centres; Chapter 4 The Carnival and Status Reversals: Multicultural Public Spectacles; Chapter 5 Be Counted: Multicultural Census Campaigns; Chapter 6 Multiculturalism’s ‘Indian Summer’ and the Second-Generation; Chapter 7 Conclusion: The Death of Multiculturalism: Redux;