Oakeshott and Parekh: The Influence of British Idealism on British Multiculturalism

Abstract

This article uses new textual evidence of Michael Oakeshott's influence on Bhikhu Parekh's work about multiculturalism so as to offer an interpretation of this influence that is valuable for four reasons. First, it replaces a doubtful alternative interpretation. Second, it clarifies the provenance of frequently discussed parts of Parekh's texts and it shows how we should understand them. Third, it shows, contrary to much scholarship, that the ideas of British Idealists and multiculturalists are related, as Parekh was attracted to ideas that Oakeshott shared with other British Idealists and he used these ideas in his work on multiculturalism. Fourth, parts of this interpretation are shown to apply not only to Parekh, but also to other prominent British multiculturalists, such as Tariq Modood.