The challenge of diversity / Walter Johnson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Johnson, Walter, 1947-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Canada--Ethnic relations.

Canada.

Ethnic relations.

Canada--Race relations.

Race relations.

United States--Ethnic relations.

United States.

United States--Race relations.

Multiculturalism Canada.

Multiculturalism--United States.

Multiculturalism.

Physical Description:

xi, 255 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Montreal ; New York : Black Rose Books, [2006]

Summary:

At the beginning of the 20th century, discriminatory practices and legislation were socially sanctioned and entrenched in the legal system in North America, but in the intervening period, our society has experienced a human rights revolution. "Diversity" is now our newest cultural ideal.

Drawing on his experience as a social scientist, Walter Johnson outlines some of the challenges posed by the increasing ethno-cultural diversity of North American society through an examination of immigration history, the current debate over immigration policy, and the "hot button" issues of multiculturalism, racism, employment equity legislation, and racial profiling.

Johnson examines the effects of government policy on aboriginal populations and reviews recent data from Corrections Canada and the United States Department of Justice to illustrate how social and ethnic inequality affects the likelihood of being incarcerated in both countries. He also examines the tension between religious tradition and the secular nature of society; the increasing generational conflict; the rise of street gangs; and controversies over the changing role of women.

Despite heightened public security concerns after 9/11 that have focused intense scrutiny on immigrants and refugees from countries torn by religious and ethnic divisions, Johnson found a dramatic improvement in our level of tolerance and understanding, and identified a much broader recognition of the rights of other people. These changes, he believes, took place because of the dedication and social activism of countless numbers of courageous individuals and groups who challenged the established norms of society.

Contents:

Chapter 1 The Human Rights Revolution In Canada 1

Chapter 2 Perspectives On Human Diversity 18

Chapter 3 From "White Canada" To The Multicultural Mosaic 40

Chapter 4 Immigration Debates 57

Chapter 5 The Challenge Of Diversity 80

Chapter 6 Cultures In Conflict: The Hijab And Kirpan Controversies 104

Chapter 7 Canada's Aboriginal Population 141

Chapter 8 Ethnicity, "Race" And Crime 168

Chapter 9 Origins Of English/French Conflict 175

Chapter 10 Economic Dimensions Of Inequality 193.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1551642727

1551642735

OCLC:

59876108

Publisher Number:

9781551642727

9781551642734