How can modern societies reconcile the competing claims of national, ethnic, and religious identities to achieve a framework of justice and equality? Gerd Baumann, a social anthropologist, utilizes his extensive field research and theoretical expertise to deconstruct the common misconceptions surrounding multiculturalism. He argues that the 'riddle' of a multicultural society stems from the reification of culture as a static entity, proposing instead a dynamic model that recognizes the fluidity of human identity in a globalized world.

Scholars frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the complexities of identity politics in contemporary anthropology. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which provides a rigorous intellectual challenge for students and professionals in the social sciences.