PhD conferral Ms Laura R.M. Kurth, MSc.

“Celebrating Diversity?; an empirical study of tensions between the discourses of assimilation and multiculturalism”

Keywords: diversity, tension, polarisation, multiculturalism, assimilation

The Netherlands boasts a wealth of ideological, cultural and religious philosophies, but the degree of freedom we have to experience cultural identity is up for public debate. The Muslim community in particular is experiencing a polarity between advocates of multiculturalism on one hand and followers of assimilation discourse on the other. This dissertation analyses the positions taken by different social players in the fields of politics, economics, and civil society. The results reveal that conflicts of interest make it difficult for politicians and halal certifiers to take a stand. The media facilitates the changing political debate by offering platforms to some players and not others.