2. Equality

About this Lecture

Lecture

In this module, we think about the second of the two concepts that multiculturalism is about: equality. In particular, we focus on: (i) the two concepts of equality that multiculturalism is concerned with: equality as equal rights, and equality as respect for difference; (ii) the distinction between ‘equalising upwards’ and ‘equalising downwards’, and an example of the latter in action; and (iii) equality as respect for difference and an example of this equality in action.

Course

In this course, Professor Tariq Modood (University of Bristol) explores the idea of multiculturalism. In the first module, we think about what constitutes ‘difference’ between distinct groups in a multicultural society. In the second module, we think about the different meanings of ‘equality’ that are relevant in a multicultural society – equality as equal rights and the idea of equality as respect for difference. And in the third module, we think about the relationship between multiculturalism, citizenship and national identity, and in particular the compatibility between a multicultural society and a strong national identity.

Lecturer

Tariq Modood is Professor of Sociology, Politics and Public Policy at the University of Bristol. Over the last twenty-five years, he has worked on the theory and politics of racism, racial equality, and multiculturalism and secularism, with special reference to British Asian Muslims. Some of his more recent publications include Multiculturalism: A Civic Idea (2007) and (co-authored with G. Levey) Secularism, Religion and Multicultural Citizenship.