posted on 2023-06-08, 13:34authored byJoana Vassilopoulou, K Jonsen, A Tatli, M Ozbilgin
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.