Communalism and the Pursuit of Democracy: A Reflection on the Eradication of Racialism and Promoting Social Harmony

This Palgrave Pivot examines the persistence of racialism and its challenges to democracy and national integration. It introduces an evolutionary psychology framework to explain human innate potential for group identification and defense, but argues that racial ideologies and politics of ethnicity provoke racial dislike and conflicts. The book compares the politics of race in Malaysia and the United States and argues that attachment to ethnic and religious identities does not hinder ethnic harmony. It concludes that managing race and religion, promoting conviviality, and cosmopolitanism is necessary for pursuing common humanity and maintaining a stable and meaningful democracy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 94 pages
Publication date: 16 August 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This Palgrave Pivot delves into the enduring nature of racialism and the formidable challenges it presents to the functioning of democracy and the achievement of national integration. It introduces an evolutionary psychology framework, which elucidates the inherent human capacity to form attachments and defend one's group, but contends that racial animosity and conflicts are sparked by racial ideologies and the politics of ethnicity. By examining the politics of race in various countries, such as Malaysia and the United States, this book demonstrates that attachment to one's ethnic and religious identities does not impede ethnic harmony. It underscores the importance of managing issues related to race and religion while fostering conviviality and cosmopolitanism to pursue the ideal of common humanity and uphold a stable and meaningful democracy. Concluding that democracy, as currently practiced, possesses certain weaknesses, this book maintains that, as an ideal, it remains the most suitable form of government to pursue.

Introduction:
Racialism, a persistent and complex phenomenon, continues to shape societies worldwide. Despite the progress made in promoting equality and social justice, racial divisions and tensions persist, posing significant challenges to the functioning of democratic institutions and the attainment of national integration. This Palgrave Pivot aims to explore the reasons behind the persistence of racialism and the obstacles it presents to democratic development.
Persistence of Racialism:
The persistence of racialism can be attributed to a multitude of factors. One important factor is the historical legacy of racial discrimination, oppression, and inequality. Throughout history, certain groups have been subjected to systemic discrimination, marginalization, and violence, leading to deep-seated resentments and divisions. These historical legacies continue to shape societal attitudes and behaviors, perpetuating racial stereotypes and prejudices.
Another factor contributing to racialism is the power of racial ideologies. Racial ideologies promote the idea that certain races are superior to others, leading to the belief that racial differences should be emphasized and celebrated. These ideologies often justify discrimination, exclusion, and violence against marginalized groups, perpetuating cycles of inequality and injustice.
The politics of ethnicity also plays a significant role in perpetuating racialism. Ethnic identity is often used as a political tool to gain power and influence, leading to the marginalization of other groups and the promotion of exclusive identities. Ethnic conflicts, often rooted in territorial claims, resource distribution, and cultural differences, can further exacerbate racial tensions and divisions.
Challenges to Democracy and National Integration:
Racialism poses significant challenges to the functioning of democracy and national integration. One of the primary challenges is the erosion of trust and social cohesion. Racial tensions and conflicts can undermine the foundations of democratic institutions, leading to a breakdown of social trust and a sense of belonging. This can result in political instability, social unrest, and the decline of democratic norms and values.
Furthermore, racialism can hinder the achievement of national integration. National integration is a process of bringing together diverse groups of people, regardless of their race, religion, or ethnicity, into a unified and cohesive society. However, racialism can create barriers to this process, leading to divisions and tensions between different groups. This can hinder the development of a shared sense of national identity and belonging, which is essential for the stability and prosperity of a nation.
Evolutionary Psychology Framework:
To address the persistence of racialism, this Palgrave Pivot introduces an evolutionary psychology framework. This framework suggests that human beings have an innate potential to identify with and defend their group. This inclination is rooted in our evolutionary history, where survival and success depended on forming alliances and cooperating with others within our group. However, the framework argues that racial dislike and conflicts are provoked by racial ideologies and the politics of ethnicity.
By comparing the politics of race in a number of countries, including Malaysia and the United States, this book demonstrates that attachment to one's ethnic and religious identities does not hinder ethnic harmony. Rather, it can contribute to a sense of belonging and identity, which can promote social cohesion and cooperation.
Managing Race and Religion:
In order to manage the issues of race and religion and promote ethnic harmony, it is necessary to adopt a multi-faceted approach. This includes promoting interfaith dialogue, understanding, and respect, as well as addressing historical legacies of discrimination and inequality. It also involves promoting inclusive policies and practices that respect and celebrate diversity, while addressing the root causes of racial tensions and conflicts.
Furthermore, promoting conviviality and cosmopolitanism is crucial for pursuing the ideal of common humanity and maintaining a stable and meaningful democracy. Conviviality refers to the ability to live and work together peacefully and respectfully, regardless of differences in race, religion, or ethnicity. Cosmopolitanism, on the other hand, refers to the belief in the interconnectedness of all human beings and the importance of promoting global cooperation and understanding.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Palgrave Pivot examines why racialism is so persistent and the challenges it poses to the functioning of democracy and the attainment of national integration. It introduces an evolutionary psychology framework, which explains human innate potential to identify with and defend one's group, but argues that racial dislike and conflicts are provoked by racial ideologies and the politics of ethnicity. By comparing the politics of race in a number of countries, including Malaysia and the United States, this book argues that attachment to one's ethnic and religious identities does not hinder ethnic harmony. It underscores the importance of managing the issues of race and religion as well as promoting conviviality and cosmopolitanism for pursuing the ideal of common humanity and for maintaining a stable and meaningful democracy. Concluding that democracy, as currently practiced, possesses certain weaknesses, this book maintains that, as an ideal, it remains the most suitable form of government to pursue.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 152 x 217 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031362385
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023