Just, Reasonable Multiculturalism
Liberalism, Culture and Coercion

This book is an interdisciplinary study that explains how just, reasonable multiculturalism is reconcilable with liberal democracy.

Raphael Cohen-Almagor (Author)

9781108469838, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 29 July 2021

250 pages
22.9 x 15.7 x 2 cm, 0.574 kg

'… thought-provoking and engaging … Cohen-Almagor's monograph offers a very nuanced and sophisticated treatment of an issue that it likely to remain a thorn in the side of liberal democracies for the foreseeable future. Consequently, his work is surely worthy of serious consideration.' David Rodman, Israel Affairs

This book explores the main challenges against multiculturalism. It aims to examine whether liberalism and multiculturalism are reconcilable, and what are the limits of liberal democratic interventions in illiberal affairs of minority cultures within democracy. In the process, this book addresses three questions: whether multiculturalism is bad for democracy, whether multiculturalism is bad for women, and whether multiculturalism contributes to terrorism. Just, Reasonable Multiculturalism argues that liberalism and multiculturalism are reconcilable if a fair balance is struck between individual rights and group rights. Raphael Cohen-Almagor contends that reasonable multiculturalism can be achieved via mechanisms of deliberate democracy, compromise and, when necessary, coercion. Placing necessary checks on groups that discriminate against vulnerable third parties, the approach insists on the protection of basic human rights as well as on exit rights for individuals if and when they wish to leave their cultural groups.

Introduction
Part I. Theory: 1. Just liberal democracy
2. Reasonable multiculturalism
3. Compromise and deliberative democracy
4. Coercion
Part II. Interference in Minority Affairs – Physical Harm: 5. Murder and torture for tradition and honour
6. Male circumcision
Part III. Interference in Minority Affair – Non-Physical Harm: 7. Discrimination of women and apostates
8. Denying education to children
Part IV. Country Case Studies: 9. Multiculturalism v. security considerations: behind French veil of ignorance
10. Multiculturalism v. security considerations: Israeli discrimination of its Arab/Palestinian citizens.

Subject Areas: Law & society [LAQ], Law [L], Political science & theory [JPA], Ethnic minorities & multicultural studies [JFSL1]