Whither Multiculturalism?2

The ideal of multiculturalism has been upheld as a solution to intolerance, prejudice, and intergroup conflict. "Integration", rather than "assimilation", is in turn proposed to be the social-psychological (as well as political) mechanism leading to multiculturalism. Berry is one of the foremost proponents of this view, as elaborated in the lead article. He notes that host society attitudes (towards immigrants) should be taken into consideration but nevertheless claims that integration is the best acculturation strategy even in assimilationist contexts. Although this view is supported by some research, quoted by Berry, it may be positing the necessary but not the sufficient conditions for attaining intergroup harmony. Indeed, if other crucial measures are not taken, unexpected opposite results may ensue, as evidenced by recent ethnic/religious conflict all over the world, including the industrialised West.