Tolerance and cultural diversity in Europe: theoretical perspectives and contemporary developments*

Most people would assume that toleration is one of the enduring values of European liberalism and few would openly reject it. Indeed, while some forms of intolerance may be growing, as reflected in the rise of certain far right parties, it would be generally
acknowledged that with the ethnic, cultural and religious diversity that is now a feature of many European cities, the need for tolerance is great. Yet the current predicament of toleration is evident in relation to two concurrent developments across European states and
societies. The first articulates the idea that contemporary expressions of cultural difference go ‘beyond’ toleration. They go ‘beyond’ because the concerns and desires that underpin the
social and political claims of minority groups are insufficiently addressed with tolerance. It is not just non-interference, but respect for and public recognition of ethno-religious diversity that is sought. Toleration contains an element of disapproval and objection that, though balanced out and overridden by reasons for forbearance and acceptance, may be seen to perpetuate a smear on minority groups. If the desire is for the removal of social stigma and for equal accommodation in the public sphere, then toleration may not do the trick.
As a second development, we see a reversal in the opposite direction, towards intolerance. In many European countries the contention is now that, in the past, there has been too much leniency, too much accommodation and too little insistence on shared values. Fuelled by anxieties over terrorism, over a lack of ‘cohesion’ and ‘political unity’, social disorder and fragmentation along ethnic and religious lines, it is argued that too much tolerance has been afforded to minority groups. That which is tolerated must be consistent with the legitimate rights of others, especially in relation to women and children or freedom of sexual orientation. Toleration comes to be seen as the cause of pertinent social problems, a sign of weakness or confusion. A new principled intolerance is seen, paradoxically, as necessary to protect the rights of individuals, and the rights, values and the identity of the majority.