Race, gender and sexuality: The oppression of multiculturalism

In this article we analyse the impact of multicultural ideology on struggle s for equality in the spheres of gender, race/ethnicity and sexuality. We a rgue that multiculturalism has permeated theory, policy and action in these areas and that this has resulted in divisions and conflicts between moveme nts for human rights. This has allowed an uncritical brand of multicultural ism to flourish which operates to further oppress already disadvantaged gro ups. We illustrate our thesis in relation to the violence committed against Black/Asian women through such cultural practices as forced arranged marri age, domestic violence and female genital mutilation. We also note the viol ence against gay and lesbian people which is sanctioned by some cultural an d religious traditions. We conclude that failure to address fundamental que stions about possible limits to cultural diversity in liberal democratic so cieties has implications for the continued oppression of the least powerful and the future of human rights. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.