The formal and informal management of diversity in the Republic of Mauritius

This paper contrasts the formal management of diversity in socio-culturally heterogeneous Mauritius pursued by the Mauritius Government, and endorsed by previous ethnographers of the island, with fieldwork undertaken by the author. Criticising aspects of the nature of multiculturalist rhetoric promoted by states, the paper concludes that formal multiculturalism depends for its existence upon a view of a diverse society as being inevitably divided . Alternatively, a focus grounded in the analysis of the behaviour of individuals reveals a more interesting, positive and even realistic portrayal of the daily and informal management of diversity in Mauritius.