International conference will challenge Cameron's views on 'state multiculturalism'
Published Monday 21st February 2011
The subject of Muslims in Europe will be under the spotlight this week at a high profile multicultural conference being organised by The University of Northampton.
The conference - which will draw together guests from all over the world - follows Prime Minister David Cameron's speech earlier this month during which he criticised "state multiculturalism" in his first speech on radicalisation and the causes of terrorism.
'Multiculturalism in a Global Society' is being held at the University's Park Campus-based Sunley Management Centre on Thursday 24 February. The one day conference will bring together policy makers, journalists, community leaders, academics and other members of the public to discuss issues around Muslims in Europe, identity, citizenship and belonging.
This conference revisits the ongoing debates about multiculturalism and the integration of Muslims in Europe. This issue is timely, especially after the criticism that David Cameron received when he said in his speech that multiculturalism was dead.
Noureddine Miladi, Lecturer in Media Studies & Sociology, School of Social Sciences, and organiser
The subject of the conference is extremely topical, following Cameron's speech which lambasted multiculturalism and urged Muslims to integrate into British society. There is a general backlash against multiculturalism and at the conference we shall be exploring whether the critiques are justified.
Professor Andy Pilkington, keynote speaker and Professor of Sociology, School of Social Sciences
In addition, the conference will aim to address issues relating to Muslims engagement or disengagement within the mainstream Western society and will look at what challenges there are for their positive participation in the success of the multiculturalism model.
If you are interested in joining the conference, which runs from 9am to 4.30pm and costs £35 (£10 concessions), please email karin.ferngren@northampton.ac.uk or phone Karin on 01604 892067.