The New Dynamics of Identity Politics in the Americas : Multiculturalism and Beyond

Multiculturalism has undergone a profound crisis in the last decade. But nevertheless it is to this day one of the predominant modes by which western democracies address cultural heterogeneity, migration and postcolonial legacies in political rhetoric and practice. Combining theoretical reflections with case studies the aim of this book is to demonstrate the current dynamics of (post-) multicultural politics in the Americas.

This book was based on a special issue of Latin American and Caribbean Ethnic Studies.

Multiculturalism has shaped identity politics in the Americas over the past decades, as illustrated by politics of recognition, affirmative action, and increasing numbers of internationally recognized cultural productions by members of ethnic minorities. Hinting at postcolonial legacies in political rhetoric and practice multiculturalism has also served as a driving force behind social movements in the Americas. Nevertheless, in current academic discussions and public debates on migration, globalization and identity politics, concepts like new ethnicities, ethnic groupism, creolization, hybridity, mestizaje, diasporas, and "post-ethnicity" articulate positionings that are profoundly changing our understanding of "multiculturalism." Combining theoretical reflections with case studies the aim of this book is to demonstrate the current dynamics of (post-) multicultural politics in the Americas.

This book was based on a special issue of Latin American and Caribbean Ethnic Studies.