ABSTRACT
This themed issue brings together a range of papers that explore the changing dynamics of multiculturalism, social cohesion and immigration in contemporary British society. The past two decades have seen intense debate about these issues both within governmental and political institutions as well as in the wider society. Indeed it can be argued that since 2001 no other set of issues has attracted as much attention within British society as a whole as well as in the major cities and urban conurbations. There has been intense public debate about the changing boundaries of culture and identity in an increasingly ‘super-diverse' environment. Linked to this debate has been the continuing preoccupation with the impact of immigration on social cohesion and community relations. This is a preoccupation, as Alana Lentin usefully highlights in her contribution to this themed issue, that can be seen across a diverse range of societies apart from the UK. It has been the subject of both policy-related and media debates, focusing on both national as well as more local issues.
