French Laicite and British Multiculturalism: A Convergence in Progress?

This paper compares the 'laique' and 'multiculturalist' conceptions of ethnic minorities' 'integration', which prevail in France, for the former, and in the UK, for the latter. It is argued that beyond their surface antagonism there is a clear convergence between the two approaches. Indeed, the British have given up on multiculturalism whose shortcomings have been well documented and publicised. Moreover, they have reactivated the much criticised notion of 'integration' through the use of the expression 'interculturalism', which has become the new buzz word. Conversely, the French have understood that it is useless and counterproductive to keep on denying the strength of community feelings and bonds, and open up tentatively to the expression and the recognition of individual and group specificities. This is exemplified by their frequent use of the phrase 'open laicite' which describes this new trend. For both nations, it is now essential to reinforce 'social cohesion' said to have unravelled dangerously in recent years. The strict regulation of unwanted immigration is also advocated at European level by both countries to control the rise of 'hyper-diversity' which is often blamed for the failure of the integration process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]