Aston Insight Lecture - Tuesday 13th May 2014
Why interculturalism is a necessary progressive alternative to multiculturalism

by Professor Ted Cantle

All western societies are now grappling with the idea of multiculturalism. And it no longer enjoys political nor popular support. No politician will be its advocate and at a popular level it invites general cynicism and even derision. The new phase of ‘super diversity’ created by globalisation and the transnational movement of people and communications on a new scale, demands a new approach. All modern societies are now multicultural – and destined to become more so – yet the ideology of multiculturalism cannot mediate the changes which people both enjoy and fear. We now need a new way of thinking about how we live together in an increasingly globalised world in which complex and multi-faceted identities are fast becoming the norm. Ted Cantle expounds the idea of ‘interculturalism’ which recognises the interdependence of people and their countries and suggests that different forms of integration are now necessary to foster an inter-connectedness in which ‘race’ will no longer play a significant part and be eclipsed by broader ideas about difference and otherness. Interculturalism, he suggests, can provide a new and positive perspective for the future of social relationships.

Time

5.30pm - tea and coffee served

6.00pm - lecture commences

Venue

Room G11, Ground Floor, Main Building, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET (just a short walk from Birmingham City Centre).

Detailed directions about how to reach Aston University can be found by clicking here.

This lecture is free to attend and open to all.