Page 178 - Contemporary Political Sociology Globalization Politics and Power

164 Citizenship

racialized groups, especially those who identify as “ African - American, ”
make the “ salad bowl ” as problematic as the “ melting pot ” (Alexander,
2006 ; Kivisto and Faist, 2007 ).
When Western Europe states invited immigration to re - build economies
after World War II, they adopted a model of assimilationism that closely
approximated the ideal of the “ melting pot. ” This model has had two
interrelated elements in this context. First, it has been closely linked to
the control of numbers of immigrants. This has been a feature of the
recent histories of all Western states, including “ countries of immigra-
tion ” which now have tight restrictions and quotas for the admission of
migrants to live and work within their territories. In the words of Roy
Hattersley, a British politician, speaking in the 1960s, “ Integration without
control is impossible, but control without integration is indefensible ”
(Solomos, 1993 : 84). The rationale behind this view is that the national
majority will not accept large numbers of immigrants, so that in the
interests of social and racial harmony there must be restrictions. Second,
the latter half of Hattersley ’ s phrase makes clear the further connection
between assimilationism and race relations policies in legislation against
racism. Most Western states have laws banning discrimination against
individuals on the basis of race, color, or ethnic origin. They were passed

with the explicit aim of defusing conflicts between white and black and
to promote the integration of immigrants into the fundamental institu-
tions of the wider society. However, where such legislation exists, it has
not ended either racial discrimination or the systematic disadvantage
suffered by racialized groups. Although there is diversity in the socio -
economic situations of ethnic minorities across Europe, in general, non -
whites are more likely to be disadvantaged in terms of pay, unemployment,
and welfare provision (Lister, 2004 : 61 – 3).
At the very least, then, the assimilationist model of immigration has
failed to ensure equal rights for all citizens of the nation - state. However,
the more serious charge against it is that it may actually contribute to
racism. In supposing that racial harmony can only be achieved by absorb-
ing minority groups into the wider society, it contributes to the view that
each nation has its own cultural values and way of life such that it cannot
tolerate sharing its territory with those of another culture. The view is
actively promoted in “ new racism, ” explicitly promoted by neo - fascist
groups across Europe. Unlike older versions of racism, it is not premised
on the supposed biological superiority of one race over another. What is
at issue is cultural difference: it is held that all ethnic and racial groups
are equal, but it is “ natural ” that members of different cultures should
feel threatened if they have to share their territory with those who live