Are "minority rights central to the future of the liberal tradition" (Kymlicka). Discuss with reference to Kymlicka and Kukathas

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Today, countries are not characterized by one nation but by different ethnic groups. Resolving conflicts between minorities and majorities concerning issues such as territory autonomy, language, political representation and education has posed a huge challenge for multiethnic states. This raises the question of specific rights for individuals and groups who feel culturally at a disadvantage compared to the majority. Multiculturalism policies question the coherence of minority rights with liberalism. Liberalism is an ideology that "strives to maximize individual freedom through rights and law". It includes the equality of rights for all citizens under the law. Yet, some individuals that belong to minority cultures face cultural inequality, in the sense that their culture is undermined by decisions of people outside the community. The implementation of minority rights is likely to correct those imbalances but their coherence with liberal principles is often put at stake. Are minority rights consistent with liberal ideology and are they central to the future of ?liberal tradition'? Should rights adhere to the groups in entirety or just to the individual?

Extraits

[...] While Kymlicka considers minority rights decisive for the future of liberal tradition, Kukathas argues that they cannot be coherent with liberalism and recommends toleration. Both approaches are interesting alternatives whether they are debatable. Kymlicka can be blame of wanting to impose liberal values, because he takes the value of autonomy as the fundamental commitment of liberalism however it is not appraised by all cultures. On the other hand Kukathas widens the value of tolerance so far that liberal values are threatened. [...]

[...] In fact, giving specific rights to minorities on the basis of equal treatment is quite doubtful considering the fact that they are not the only ones who face inequality of circumstances and minority members” do not “face the same inequality of circumstances”(1992,p.141)- Kymlicka replies to Kukathas that it is different kinds of disadvantages that require different kind of rights. Kukathas then explains why minority rights cannot be consistent with liberal principles. Firstly, groups are changing historical formations whose existence is not prior to nor independent of political institutions. [...]

[...] The implementation of minority rights can be the insurance of the existence of the “context of choice”. According to Kymlicka, a fair relationship between states and cultures necessarily implies the recognition of minority rights on the basis of liberal equality. The accommodation of difference is preferred to a “benign neglect” which seems to be incapable to insure equality of rights for members of the majority and the minority, and therefore is incoherent with liberal tradition. A true equality requires a different treatment for minorities because they are culturally disadvantaged comparing with majority members. [...]

[...] Otherwise, groups are not homogenous but divided by conflicts of interests. Interests of the elites can vary from those of the masses. If “special rights” are entered by the elite, divisions within the community are likely to be heightened. So, minority rights entrench majorities because they regard the “wider group” as the holder of cultural rights, while minorities within the minority who have other interests are not taken into account. Minorities are bound to remain minorities and majorities would become permanent. [...]

[...] Are “minority rights central to the future of the liberal tradition” (Kymlicka). Discuss with reference to Kymlicka and Kukathas Today, countries are not characterized by one nation but by different ethnic groups. Resolving conflicts between minorities and majorities concerning issues such as territory autonomy, language, political representation, education is a huge challenge for multiethnic states. This raises the question of specific rights for individuals and groups who feel culturally disadvantaged compared to the majority. Multiculturalism policies question the coherence of minority rights with liberalism. [...]