Diversity and social cohesion seminar

Although multiculturalism, integration, diversity and social capital have been the subjects of a longstanding debate, I found this seminar very topical, particularly in light of the article on ‘the terrible legacy of multiculturalism’ published just a few days before in the Guardian newspaper.
We all know how the current picture is vastly complicated – to the extent that there is no longer talk of diversity but of ‘superdiversity’ – and that it is time to rethink the nature of multiculturalism as a condition and a set of policies that address it as a positive factor. This obviously poses significant challenges for both researchers and policy makers, so I think it is always useful to open the floor for discussion.

If you’re interesting in finding out more about what was said on diversity and social cohesion at this seminar and you were unable to attend, the presentations of both speakers have now been uploaded on the NCVO webpage on social capital.

For those who consider themselves ‘cohesion practitioners’, Nick Johnson, our first speaker, mentioned that his organisation The Institute of Community Cohesion has a practititioner network which people can join. The purpose, remit and aims of the network are to:

• exchange ideas, discuss issues and seek solutions to problems
• find out about successful initiatives operating throughout the UK
  seek out, share and disseminate good practice
• contribute to the development of training opportunities
• provide a ‘what works’ enquiry system
• identify the need for action research programmes and assist in their development
• advocate on behalf of practitioners and community cohesion in general.