Diversity Policy and Intercultural Change in the Borough of Lewisham

Abstract

This chapter argues that Lewisham has embraced cultural diversity positively, embedding it in innovative ways in different policy areas without articulating an explicit intercultural narrative. It explains that Lewisham’s high-level diversity, political traditions of solidarity and equality, strategic leadership, growing institutional legitimacy and openness to long-term collaboration with culturally diverse intellectuals, artists and wider civil society have shaped policies which strengthen intercultural relationships. It considers the transversal policy-making and partnerships with voluntary and community organisations that have resulted. This includes the positive intercultural impact of its community engagement strategy in creating local neighbourhood assemblies, and its regeneration strategy in producing mixed public spaces. It highlights threats to equality and intercultural mixing from gentrification and the disarming lack of an intercultural narrative of Lewisham’s renewal.