Everyday Multiculturalism and ‘Hidden’ Hate

Book excerpt: This book examines the lived reality of 'everyday multiculturalism', and the ways that young people make sense of the diverse world around them. Currently we know very little about how multiculturalism shapes our lives, our interactions and our identity. This is especially pertinent for young people. How do young people from largely white, disadvantaged backgrounds interpret multiculturalism? How do they engage with people from 'different' minority ethnic and faith communities? How do they negotiate the challenges that arise within ever-diversifying environments? Drawing on empirical research, Stevie-Jade Hardy uncovers the fears and tensions that both undermine, and are caused by, doing multiculturalism. In doing so, she shines a light on the 'hidden' phenomenon of youth hate crime perpetration. This book will be of particular interest to scholars of criminology, sociology and cultural studies, as well as to professionals and policy-makers working in the fields of diversity and hate crime.