Single Idea 23383

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 6. Liberalism / f. Multiculturalism]

Full Idea

Defending multiculturalism initially involved endorsing the communitarian critique of liberalism, and viewed minority rights as defending cohesive minority groups against the encroachment of liberal individualism.

Gist of Idea

Some multiculturalists defended the rights of cohesive minorities against liberal individualism

Source

Will Kymlicka (Contemporary Political Philosophy (2nd edn) [2002], 8.1)

Book Reference

Kymlicka,Will: 'Contemporary Political Philosophy (2nd ed)' [OUP 2002], p.337


A Reaction

Liberal individualists have to accept these criticisms from Marxists, communitarians and multiculturalists. The lone individual has no group that guarantees support, and individuals (especially the young) can easily sink.

Related Idea

Idea 23420 In a pluralist society we can't expect a community united around one conception of the good [Rawls]