Multiculturalism, citizenship models and social cohesion: an equation without solution?

Abstract

This research seeks to reflect on multiculturalism, its challenges to citizenship and its contribution to social cohesion. Should citizens be treated on an egalitarian basis in the name of individual rights? Or should they be holders of rights by virtue of their membership of a relevant cultural group? Should society be conceived as a neutral arena within which citizens can test the strength of their own convictions? Or should it be conceived as a melting pot of different cultural groups and claimants of exclusive loyalty? What role do state institutions play in all this? In order to respond to these questions, we will analyze the responses given by the models considered to the problem of the integration of diversity in democracy and the treatment to be reserved, in particular, to minorities. The multiculturalist model will thus be discussed paying particular attention to the differentiated citizenship rights invoked by it, which will respond to integration challenges and the threat of social disintegration. Finally, we will conclude with some considerations about the capabilities of the models presented to provide a convincing answer to the question of social cohesion within pluralist democracies.