It is widely believed that a viable welfare state depends on achieving and maintaining a high level of solidarity amongst citizens, and that this solidarity is eroded by increasing levels of ethnic and racial diversity due to immigration. If true, there is a trade-off between a more open and accommodating approach to immigrants, on the one hand, and the maintenance of a robust welfare state. In this paper, however, we argue that claims about an inevitable trade-off between diversity and solidarity are premature. The evidence to date, and our own research, shows that a multicultural welfare state is a viable prospect.only subscribers can see the full article

It is widely believed that a viable welfare state depends on achieving and maintaining a high level of solidarity amongst citizens, and that this solidarity is eroded by increasing levels of ethnic and racial diversity due to immigration. If true, there is a trade-off between a more open and accommodating approach to immigrants, on the one hand, and the maintenance of a robust welfare state. In this paper, however, we argue that claims about an inevitable trade-off between diversity and solidarity are premature. The evidence to date, and our own research, shows that a multicultural welfare state is a viable prospect.only subscribers can see the full article