Explaining essential terminology used in diversity discourse, the 56-page booklet casts light on a range of sensitive issues. Frequently confused terms such as racism, xenophobia and ethnic prejudice are defined and applied in context. Normative concepts such as multiculturalism and inter-culturalism are also explained, providing helpful reference points for untangling complex discussions about integration.

Alongside its many helpful definitions, the handbook includes statistical information on native minorities and migrant populations in 14 European Union Member States plus Turkey. It also provides capsule summaries of case studies, describing how diversity conflicts have been handled in different cultural settings, especially in schools. Topics of contentious public debate  - such as those involving religious symbols and apparel - are carefully explored.

While emphasising human rights and democratic principles throughout, the handbook also recognises the need to develop context-specific solutions. Centred on the priorities of social cohesion and inclusive growth, the publication offers a constructive approach to co-existence of different ethnic and religious traditions in Europe.
               
Written by Anna Triandafyllidou (the scientific coordinator of the ACCEPT PLURALISM project), The Handbook on Tolerance and Cultural Diversity in Europe is published by the European University Institute. If you would like to read the handbook in electronic form, click here. Find out more about the ACCEPT PLURALISM Project at www.accept-pluralism.eu.

Source: Policy Research Alert N°3 - Handbook on cultural diversity offers guidance for inclusive societies