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Multiculturalism at work: Examples from the UK and Germany

Vassilopoulou, J. and Jonsen, K. and Özbilgin, Mustafa and Tatli, A. (2014) Multiculturalism at work: Examples from the UK and Germany. In: Diversity Ideologies in Organizations. Applied Psychology Series . Taylor & Francis Ltd, London. ISBN 978-1-84872-965-0. (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:42674)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.

Abstract

In this chapter, we explain the notion of multiculturalism as it manifests in social and business studies. Drawing on examples from the UK and Germany, we elaborate why there is a need to reframe multiculturalism, liberating it from its limiting macro-political conceptualisation. Multiculturalism is a concept, which has been widely used in social policy in response to ethnic diversity in the UK. Although multiculturalism has not been used as a social policy term in Germany, present political and public debates suggest its failure. We examine multiculturalism in the context of work in Britain and Germany, two countries with distinctly different approaches to social policy to address ethnic differences. In the main multiculturalism is a macro-political concept. However, multiculturalism acts as a frame of reference in the formation of the equality legislation, public sentiment and organisational responses towards ethnic diversity. Using the example of the UK and Germany, we demonstrate why we need an expanded conception of multiculturalism if this concept is to survive as a successful social policy and management term.

Item Type: Book section
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions: Divisions > Kent Business School - Division > Kent Business School (do not use)
Depositing User: Tracey Pemble
Date Deposited: 26 Aug 2014 08:48 UTC
Last Modified: 17 Aug 2022 10:57 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/42674 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Vassilopoulou, J..

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