ABSTRACT
In recent years, the rapid rise of superdiversity and processes of diversification have prompted numerous kinds of social and political responses. Such responses have been founded on particular perceptions and attitudes, which themselves are based on highly contextualized processes of social categorization. Social categories are conceptual, but their effects are actual. They are observable in patterns of interaction and measures of inequality. This chapter reviews key modes of social categorization and public understanding, how they are related to foremost responses to diversification (many of which are often negative), and some of the leading social scientific thinking surrounding them. It also looks at more encouraging responses, including evidence showing that diversification may foster positive social attitudes and interactions.
