Identity choice, intercultural learning and inclusive citizenship

Advocacy by British civil society for ethno-religious accommodation in the workplace

Abstract

Drawing on semi-structured interviews with leaders of civil society organisations that represent or advocate for ethno-religious minorities in Britain, this article reconstructs the justifications they put forward for religious freedom and accommodation in the workplace. Findings suggest that, in line with theories of multiculturalism, progressive and pro-diversity political actors view ethno-religious accommodation as a way of promoting individual choice of religious and national identities, intercultural dialogue and learning, and inclusive conceptions of citizenship. In this sense, they conceive demands for accommodation as part of a struggle for respect or recognition, and workplaces as a key site where this struggle unfolds.