Perceptions of Diversity: “Multicultural Values” and Living Well Together

ABSTRACT Situated in the institutional support for Canadian multiculturalism and the academic tensions over the alleged decline of multiculturalism, this paper considers the use of multiculturalism and its associated values in everyday life. In the Canadian context, there has been an expansion of multiculturalism beyond “ Charter values” towards “multicultural values” which shapes social relations and informs the ways that some Canadians see themselves, the conduct of good citizens, and the national imaginary. These values are articulated as equality (or equity), diversity and inclusion, and they have at least partially rescued multiculturalism from some of its alleged failings. Drawing on interview data from Toronto collected as part of the “A Transcultural Approach to Belonging and Engagement among Migrant Youth”, the paper explores perceptions and use of multiculturalism and its associated values.