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This book analyzes the principles, official policies, and actual practices of multiculturalism in Canada. Primarily sociological in approach, the authors examine the origins, scope, and implications of Canadian multiculturalism, which is the doctrine that promotes ethno - racial harmony by encouraging cultural preservation and intercultural exchanges. They distinguish between multiculturalism as "fact" and as "ideology," and as "policy" and "process," all in an effort to explicate political goals and initiatives, as well as public attitudes and the reactions of ethnic minorities. They also consider the effects of multiculturalism on educational institutions, the mass media, and the criminal justice system. Fleras and Elliott first examine the relevant demographic features of Canada in the form of immigration patterns, and in the composition and spatial distribution of the major ethnic groups. Particular attention is given to the expansion of the "third force" in Canadian society, namely those of non - British, non - French, and non - aboriginal ancestry. The authors show how demographic diversity is sustained by the influx of immigrants and refugees from "non - conventional sources," and how continued diversification will lead to an even greater role for multiculturalism in reordering government - minority relations. The authors illustrate how a "descriptive" reality of multiculturalism has been elevated into a prescriptive ideal for collective images of Canada. As an ideology for managing diversity, multiculturalism is contrasted with other forms of racial management, most notably segregation, assimilation, and integration. Multicultural principles, such as collective rights and ethno - racial equality, are shown to be at odds with important Canadian values including individualism and meritocracy. In reviewing official government policies at federal, provincial,...