Is multiculturalism bad for European society?

 Multiculturalism is a subject of debate in certain European nations that are associated with the idea of a nation-state

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. Critics of multiculturalism may argue against cultural integration of different ethnic and cultural groups to the existing laws and values of the country

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. According to an article in Foreign Affairs, multiculturalism has become a proxy for other social and political issues such as immigration, identity, political disenchantment, and working-class decline

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. Multiculturalism's proponents argue that the problem is not too much diversity but too much racism

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.In an article in the Hudson Review, Bruce Bawer writes about what he sees as a developing distaste toward the idea and policies of multiculturalism in Europe, especially in the Netherlands, Denmark, United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Austria, and Germany

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. The belief behind this backlash on multiculturalism is that it creates friction within society

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.According to a blog post on the London School of Economics website, multiculturalism is unpopular with the majority of Europeans

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. However, the same post argues that multiculturalism makes for happier societies

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.In an article in the Boston Review, John R. Bowen argues that blaming multiculturalism may be politically useful because of its populist appeal, but it is also politically dangerous because it attacks "an enemy within": Islam and Muslims

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. Bowen also argues that political criticisms of multiculturalism confuse three objects: the changing cultural and religious landscape of Europe, the policies of multiculturalism, and the presence of Islam in Europe

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.A Pew Research Center survey found that Central and Eastern Europeans overall are more inclined to say their culture is superior

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. However, the same survey found that support for multiculturalism is not universal even in Western Europe

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.Most sensible people agree that the challenge for Europe is integration. But is integration possible without some multiculturalism? 

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In conclusion, opinions on multiculturalism in Europe are divided. While some argue that it creates friction within society, others argue that it makes for happier societies. It is important to note that the debate about multiculturalism has often devolved into sophistry and that different countries have followed distinct paths

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