The Challenge Of Diversity

From the tribal village to the global village - understanding ourselves and others. Over the course of the 20th century, Western society has experienced a human rights revolution. Diversity is our newest cultural ideal - but, as yet, it is imperfectly understood. Drawing on his experience as a social scientist, Walter Johnson outlines some of the challenges posted by the increasing ethno-cultural diversity of society, through an examination of immigration history, the current debate over immigration policy, and the hot-button issues of multiculturalism, racism, employment equity and racial profiling. Johnson examines the effects of government policy on aboriginal populations, and reviews recent data from justice departments to illustrate how social and ethnic inequality affects the likelihood of being incarcerated. He also examines the tensions between religious tradition, and the secular nature of society; increasing generational conflict; the rise of street gangs; and controversies over the changing role of women. Despite heightened public security concerns after 9/11 that have focused intense security on immigrants and refugees from countries torn by religious and ethnic divisions, Johnson finds a dramatic improvement in our level of tolerance and understanding, and identifies a much broader recognition of the rights of other people within the modern world than were in evidence 100 years ago. The Challenge Of Diversity is ultimately an acknowledgement of the difficulties inherent in effecting liberal social change, and a recognition of the dedication and effort of the groups of people who have enabled this move away from the repressive social politics of the early 20th century.