Community Cohesion - A New Framework for Race and Diversity

In this timely study, the author examines the historical approach to race and diversity and suggests that equality strategies have been a vital, but limited, means of addressing discrimination and community tensions. Community Cohesion, it argues, offers a new framework to break down the barriers between different communities and understand the more fundamental causes of racism and the 'fear of difference'. Concepts of multiculturalism, identity and citizenship are also reviewed and the developing practice of community cohesion is described.

TED CANTLE was appointed in 2001 by the UK Home Secretary to Chair the Community Cohesion Review Team. The subsequent 'Cantle Report' hit the headlines when it drew attention to the 'parallel lives' of different communities. It went on to make around 70 recommendations and the concept of 'community cohesion' was subsequently adopted by the UK government. Cantle is regarded as the founding father of 'community cohesion' and now leads the Institute of Community Cohesion, UK.