.
1
44
U
NESCO’s Constitution
emphasises
that
be founded on economic
‘intellectual
and moral solidarity’
ethical mandate
foundation
a just
to promote
of our Culture
peace in the world
arrangements
of humankind.
of Peace Programme.
and an innovative
of every society
cohesive...
approach
the
This forms the basis of our
A culture
freedoms. It is the
of peace is both a
to trying to make the social fabric
It is this multi-faceted
and development
cannot
alone, but requires
human rights and fundamental
living experience
peace, democracy
and lasting
and political
truly interactive.
approach
which
can make
And one of the keys to its
to human diversity, which will be a special issue in the
success will be attitudes
year 2000, United Nations lnternational
Year for the Culture of Peace”.
Extract from opening address by Federico Mayor
Director-General, UNESCO
44
E
xamples of the subversive and destabilising
also important
concept...
that
Difference
attention
effects of ‘divisive pluralism’
should be given
need not produce
conflict,
abound. But it is
to the alternative,
any more
than
positive,
sameness
necessarily results in solidarity.
The challenge
is to devise a ‘vision’ of the way in
which people can live together
harmoniously
in the larger society, while at the
same time being able to maintain,
belonging
to their particular
rather than dilute or lose, a strong sense of
cultural, ethnic, religious or other community”.
Extract from opening address by Chief EmekaAnyaoku
Commonwealth Secretary-General
Foreword
This report
is divided
into
two parts. The first contains
official
documents
by UNESCO and the Commonwealth
Secretariat and written for the
colloquium, either by the participants or in the name of the two institutions. The
second, an initiative of the Division of Cultural Pluralism of UNESCO, represents
a synthesis of the main ideas mentioned by the participants in the papers which
they submitted as well as during the course of the debates. It is, therefore, a free
interpretation,
for which the Commonwealth
Secretariat and the quoted authors
bear no responsibility, although it is entirely based on the ideas, themes and main
approved
points mentioned
during the colloquium.
Contents
Official
documents
7
1 Background paper
7
2 Outcomes
13
Synthesis
19
Preamble:
The constructive
option
1 Pluralism as a constructive
Constructing
19
force
27
the future
21
The present reconstructed
2 Foundations:
the pre-conditions
Pluralism and the democratic
Affirmation
of identity
24
for a constructive
pluralism
ideal
26
and citizenship
3 The means of building a constructive
26
28
pluralism
32
State action
32
The action of civil society and international
Education for pluralism
action
37
40
Appendices
47
1 Agenda
47
2 List of participants
48
3 List of the participants’
Working
documents
Participants’
papers
written
contributions
51
51
57
6
I
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
_~“.
.._---_-~
“--“._l...
I
Official Documents
BACKGROUND
PAPER*
1
Why a Joint%lloquium?
T
he theme of cultural
pluralism
and its implications
for inter- and intra-societal
relations is
one of the key features of the work of UNESCO and also a matter of great importance
the Commonwealth.
Pluralism
The initiative
for a joint
arises from a shared commitment
and the Commonwealth
colloquium
entitled
by the UNESCO Director-General,
and assisting the building
of a positive
and constructive
There exists a need to show that being part of a multicultural
pluralism from becompluralism
forging
of a universal vision reflecting
forum,
changes occurring
strands closely intertwined
to facilitate
is an intergovern-
underlying
men’: Its role is to
to the progressive
As
to gain a better grasp of the
strategies to meet emerging
Strategy
chal-
are the two main
as it has been devised for the
it are, in essence, to reach the unreached.
the exercise of civil rights and the participation
and to learn to live together
intel-
from the sum of the differences.
community
of UNESCO’s Medium-Term
experience.
international
Culture of peace and peace for development
The main objectives
include the excluded,
development,
benefit
in the world today and to devise innovative
lenges in its fields of competence.
years 1996-2001.
and drawing
it can help the international
for the future.
society is an enriching
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization,
mental organization with 186 member states dedicated to the development of
lectual co-operation in order to build the “defences of peace in the minds of
forge a community of ideas, knowledge and purpose; it is also to contribute
an intellectual
in
values. Its purpose is to consider the
nature of pluralism and the role of the state and civil society in preventing
ing divisive,
Mr Federico Mayor,
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, to address these challenges
Secretary-General,
that encompasses both universal and particular
a framework
to
Towards A Constructive
and to build together,
to
of everyone in
despite disagreements
and dif-
ferences.
The Commonwealth
all continents,
is an intergovernmental
interest-groups
organization
and levels of development
tem. Its members co-operate
to promote such fundamental
rights and the rule of law, as well as sustainable
This background
and main themes
paper prepared
by UNESCO
of the colloquium.
with 54 member countries,
and thus representing
political
socio-economic
and the Commonwealth
Secretariat
drawn from
a global sub-sys-
values as democracy, human
development.
presents
While it counts
the motivations.
objectives
several large states among its members, small states represent
receive particular
attention.
promotion
on global
a majority
in the association
and global reach of the Commonwealth,
by consensus, make it an important
tion of decision-making
opment
The diversity
issues. Given its diverse membership
international
forum for policy devel-
and its central
commitment
to the
is specially suited to make a meaningful
of unity in diversity, the Commonwealth
and
and its tradi-
con-
tribution on the subject of this colloquium.
Both organisations
hope that this colloquium
will not only contribute to the ongoing
about how to avoid conflict and promote constructive
in plural societies, but also result in some practical
interaction
among individuals
dialogue
and groups
about how to ensure that plural-
suggestions
ism is harnessed in a positive way for the future.
2
Preliminary
T
Observations
of post-Cold War conflicts between increasingly
he incidence
assertive and politically
mobi-
national, religious, linguistic, and other culturally distinct groups produces
about the viability of plural societies. In an increasingly interconnected world, one
characterized by unprecedented inter-societal
mobility, global communications,
economic transcontacts at every level, the challenge of managing diversity has come
actions, and inter-cultural
to the fore. The old conception of homogeneous, insulated and self-sufficient
nation-states,
lized ethnic,
pessimism
which was perhaps always an unrealistic
one, is now quite irrelevant.
has multiple consequences both at policy level and in terms of daily life. ldeas
about what characteristics are essential to individual identity and self-respect, and about how
these qualities should be expressed in civic associations and political institutions,
are evolving
The foregoing
constantly.
The approach
of relegating
particularism
completely
to the so-called
private
devoid of cultural content has proved unrealistic
structing
a neutral civic identity
unviable.
It is clear, perhaps especially in an era of perceived flux and instability,
need a strong sense of belonging
accept the legitimacy
institutions.
citizenship’
For the moment,
provide individuals
two general points should be emphasized.
must be remembered
with and
How specific must this sense of belonging
These are the kinds of questions this colloquium
and
that individuals
to anchor themselves in civil society and to identify
of their political
Can an ideal of ‘multicultural
belonging?
sphere and con-
with a concrete enough
be?
sense of
seeks to address.
First, though it may seem obvious, it
that no society is ever truly homogeneous.
Each individual
is unique,
and
9
I
Towards
our sense of group belonging
A Constructive
depends on what shared characteristics
in a given place and time. The elusive notion
of identity
Pluralism
are considered most salient
stands at the intersection
of self-per-
ception (what we notice and consider important
about ourselves) and other-perception
(what othabout us), neither of which is inherent or immutable. While
admitting that even ‘constructed’ cultural or ethnic identities have tremendous resonance and can
become imbued with ‘reality’, it does suggest a need for caution in accepting group identities as
ers notice and consider important
pre-given
or fixed. Conceptualizing
identity
as multi-layered
and static, can help us move towards more flexible
maintaining,
and dynamic, rather than monolithic
models of how to share public
rather than erasing, a strong sense of belonging
to particular
space while
communities
within
a
larger and more inclusive social context.
This leads to the second basic observation:
to ‘overcome’,
as simplistic
or a ‘problem’
diversity of identities
to be ‘resolved’. The assumption
as the conclusion
that difference
can be and have been mobilized
and loyalties is not an ‘obstacle’
that uniformity
produces conflict.
breeds solidarity
While group identities
for various purposes, this can have both positive
effects. Some sense of group belonging
is essential
to social cohesion
is
certainly
and negative
and interaction.
Such
does not need to be monolithic, exclusive, or hostile to others. Hence the notion of the
‘uses’ and ‘abuses’ of personal and political identities, the question being how to shape and define
belonging
these, not how to dilute or destroy them.
As the dialogue about cultural pluralism
sity of avoiding
a consensus has emerged on the neces-
has developed,
both the extreme of imposed homogeneity
and that of forced heterogeneity.
The
next step is to develop more concrete strategies for bringing about a dynamic societal equilibrium that fosters unity without requiring uniformity. The very idea of ‘constructive pluralism’ as
both a goal and a process highlights the preoccupation shared by the conference organizers, i.e.
to channel pluralism
mechanisms
in a positive
to promote
fashion in order to facilitate
harmonious
interaction
between cultures.
Clearly, there can be no magic formula
for every situation;
model. But by showing how to cultivate
the capacity
on the personal, institutional,
vivendi.
This colloquium
tion on this topic, nor will it be the last. But as policy-makers,
that bringing
to an ongoing
them together
interest in and experience
engagement
is certainly
not the first reflec-
academics, and other members of
of the challenges
of pluralism,
it is hoped
Vvill generate a number of proposals, as well as broader contributions
and essential dialogue.
All those invited to participate
cial expertise through studying, living in, working
ral societies. Collectively,
each society must work out its own
for openness and constructive
and societal levels, we can give plural societies the tools and sup-
port they need to find their own modus
civil society have a particular
the creation of state and societal
therefore,
they represent
in this colloquium
have spe-
with, and in a few cases actually governing
a rich resource-base.
designed to help make their discussions as focused and productive
This brief document
as possible.
pluis
10
I
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
-3
Questions
T
he Annotated
for Discussion
Agenda provides a framework
tary observations
highlight
for the colloquium.
some of the important
propositions
The following
supplemen-
to be considered:
Objective:
Developing
Together
lnternational
society
or Not at All
and its institutions,
particularly
values which conflict
with local circumstances.
accused of promoting
this charge. But the rationale
of cultural
relativism
in this era of ‘globalization’,
are often
There may be some truth in
can be equally questioned
when used to jus-
tify practices that violate basic human rights. There is no escape from some basic common standards being agreed, including
equality,
and environmental
guidelines
protection).
for development
Because pluralism
(for example,
workers’ rights, gender
exists both within
and between
soci-
and international levels: how to ensure
and isolation, and how to promote
consensus on values and projects while enabling individuals and groups to define and pursue their
eties, many of the same questions
respect for difference
own self-chosen
without
arise on the national
encouraging
fragmentation
ideals?
Concepts:
Defining
Pluralism
As noted earlier, different
kinds of group affiliations
can take on particular
ing on the time and place. For a woman deeply involved
der may be the most important
consideration;
The phenomenon
of hyphenated
multiple
can be complementary
loyalties
lines’, i.e. not belonging
tural
and ethnic
tendency
completely
mixing
to categorize
identities,
a particular
particular
inter-cultural
rather than competing
and cosmopolitan
the idea that groups and associations
challenge. ldentifying
step in moving
in another situation,
identities
depend-
suggests that dual or
and evokes the idea of ‘border-
sits uncomfortably
to their characteristics
level, the reality of culwith
the persistent
and origins. At the societal level,
might compete with the state for loyalty and power poses
which tensions are the most salient in a given society is the first
towards a more nuanced and flexible societal model. Only after establishing
features of plural societies can we identify
relations both within
gen-
it may be religion or ethnic@.
for example ‘African-American’,
to any one group. At the individual
people according
importance
in the women’s rights movement,
and between them.
the strategies
the
most suited to enhancing
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
Strategies:
State Mechanisms
for Handling
Pluralism
decisions, about resource allocation,
As it now stands, most governance-related
and administration
power-sharing
of administrative
of government
are made by governments.
structures in a government
or administrative
unit are homogeneous
that they are representative
enough
that populations
to share political
organization
but the legitimacy
is largely a matter of convenience,
is also based on the tacit assumption
infrastructure,
The territorially-based
living in a given territory
institutions
which, assuming
in nature, are able to discern and represent the needs of the popula-
tion as a whole. Calls for devolution and for other constitutional
changes and legislation
tect the rights of minorities
that in fact governments
for example, stem from a recognition
if ever, preside over homogeneous
mate institutions
divergent,
populations
capable of representing
or communities.
individuals
values and ideals. More importantly,
and reinforced by policies, and programmes
that promote
rarely,
is to design legiti-
and groups with varied, and even profoundly
these formal
must be accompanied
institutions
(for example, in the domains of education and media)
knowledge, understanding
inter-cultural
The challenge
to pro-
To do this, we must establish what makes public
they can be made more fully representative
and action.
institutions
legitimate
without affecting
represent; what measures could help ensure the promotion
the loyalty
and effective,
and how
of the individuals
of human dignity
they
as a universal value
denying the importance of particular cultural identities; how different visions and ideals
could be accommodated, not just when these diverge, but when they actively conflict; and
whether there is proof of strategies that work, in the long term if not in the short term.
without
Strategies:
Societal
Mechanisms
for Handling
While state mechanisms
Pluralism
offer top-down
opportunities
for creating
ety in its various manifestations (associations, non-governmental
business community, etc.) can offer indispensable bottom-up
approaches
alization
and co-operative
solutions. Without
can provide opportunities
munications
technology.
inter-connectedness
Again,
experiments.
a balance
must
associations,
channels
civil soci-
private media, the
for forging
sameness as a ‘simple’
common
solution,
glob-
contacts, especially with new com-
be established between the benefits
of
and the need for individuality.
As with the implementation
sharing experiences
imposing
for creating inter-cultural
plural frameworks,
of state mechanisms,
each societal situation
of more and less successful strategies can help stimulate
In a fundamental
sense, constructive
pluralism
is highly
specific, but
new approaches and
depends on the attitude of each indi-
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
vidual or society towards their neighbours.
can only be overcome with concrete
work. The challenge
endeavours,
transform
Prejudices, stereotypes,
not assuming
and experiences
examples
is how to overcome
that negative
initial
reluctance
attitudes
and set patterns of behaviour
of inter-cultural
will necessarily
activities
that
about inter-cultural
or scepticism
exist, but being prepared
to
them when they do arise.
4
~-
Objectives
D
uring the colloquium,
stantial
deliberations
introductory
and Outcome
presentations
on each topic will be followed
time for discussion which will generate
will be reflected in a final document.
i.e. general guidelines
as well as specific strategies,
meeting
challenges
the potential
of pluralism,
recommendations.
In consolidating
the meeting
The outcome
both principles
by subof the
and policies,
will suggest concrete ways of
as well as ways to take advantage of the richness
offered by social diversity. It is recognised that such generic approaches are no substitute for each
plural society developing
tribution
tional
its own ways of harnessing
of this colloquium
community
opportunities
and other collaborative
to the need
to treat
created by an increasingly
diversity in a constructive
way. But the con-
endeavours can further sensitize the interna-
diversity
inter-connected
as an asset and highlight
world.
the positive
13
I
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
OUTCOMES*
he colloquium
T
Towards
a Constructive
Pluralism took place at the UNESCO Headquarters
in Pans from Thursday 28th to Saturday 30th January
from 29 countries:
The colloquium
Organisation
politicians,
academics and representatives
by the United
was organised
(UNESCO) and the Commonwealth
is dedicated to international
peace for development.
intellectual
Nations
co-operation
to promote
Scientific
and Cultural
equality,
development
for peace and
is the Culture of Peace Programme
solidarity
and social and cultural dig-
is united by a set of fundamental
ues, as embodied in the 1991 Harare Commonwealth
sustainable development. Both of these inter-governmental
promotion
Educational
To this end, one of its key activities
Commonwealth
of civil society.
Secretariat. UNESCO, with its 186 member states,
inspired by the universal values of liberty, justice,
nity. The 54-member
1999. There were 40 participants
democratic
Declaration,
and other val-
and a commitment
organisations
are committed
to
to the
of unity in diversity.
PREAMBLE:
The Challenge
P
articipants
affirmed
that ethnic, religious,
of Pluralism
cultural
and other pluralism
is a positive
phe-
to be welcomed and celebrated. There was agreement that everything possible
should be done to create conditions in which it can flourish within and between States.
nomenon,
At the same time, it was recognized
that difference
It can be the excuse for marginalization,
occasion for violent
conflict
can be used to promote
division and tension.
exclusion and oppression. And all too often it can be the
and even warfare. Participants
gave examples of campaigns
of geno-
cide, civil war, and other violence which had claimed millions of lives. It was pointed out that,
according to one study, 79 of the 82 conflicts around the world between 1989 and 1992 were
intra-state in nature and that most of them were linked to ethnic, religious or cultural differences.
It was argued that ‘divisive pluralism’ will constitute one of the key threats to peace in the twentyfirst century unless appropriate action is taken. This document suggests ways to prevent such
conflicts
*
by promoting
This document
the positive alternative.
was unanimously
adopted
at the end of the colloquium.
14
I
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
The colloquium
recognised
that approaches
on this issue need to take account of the significant
changes that have taken and are taking place in the world. In particular,
forces of globalisation
and the fact that the world is becoming
the dual
increasingly
at a global level but more and more heterogeneous locally. This has important
homogeneous
implications
and fragmentation
it highlighted
for attempts
to accommodate
the complexities
and to meet the challenges
of plu-
ralism.
In this context,
participants
agreed on the importance
of appreciating
the shared and universal values this entails. Participants
difference,
imacy
equality
and non-discrimination,
of institutions,
accountability,
referred to the importance
the upholding
participation
our common humanity
of respect for
of human rights, the democratic
and qualitative
and
representation.
legit-
Participants
argued that the aim should be equality and inclusiveness, not uniformity. The recognition of difunity by allowing individuals to enjoy the security of particular identities
framework.
within an accepted social and constitutional
ference can strengthen
The colloquium
requirements
recognised
the need to balance the affirmation
of an increasingly
of particular
identities
and the
world in which we all have to co-exist
inter-dependent
and
co-operate.
ldentities
can be mobilised or exploited
encourage
uses of identity
positive
whether they are involved
in conflict
everyone, as all countries
are vulnerable
an invitation
for people to interact,
sive acceptance
or are enjoying
developed and developing,
a measure of peace. This issue is relevant to
to division.
and the building
edged that particular
involve
both to balanced
development
is enriching
within
particular
between countries. The colloquium acknowland other forms of
and attitudes which can be made and unmade. Consequently,
of improvement
or working
recognised
implementing,
and dynamic evolution,
with existing
that there are problems
of clarity can impede understanding
as facilitating,
simply exists. It was stressed that pluralism
contribution
and society’s means of dealing with cultural
arrangements
ing new forms of identity
rather than a pas-
of positive relationships
identities
there is always the possibility
The colloquium
to celebrate and to learn from difference,
of the fact that pluralism
and that it can make an important
difference
or positive purposes. Finding ways to
for all countries,
took a dynamic and positive view of ethnic, religious, cultural and other pluralism as
Participants
countries
for either negative
is important
of terminology
and the development
managing,
whether this involves build-
ones.
accommodating,
and vocabulary and that lack
of consensus. For instance, terms such
handling,
empowering
and sustaining
were used and it was recognised
that, while often relevant, each had its limitations.
also recognised
might be a problem
that terminology
so far as the interpretation
Participants
of this docu-
15
I
Towards
ment is concerned
because there will be different
understandings
texts. They agreed, however, that none of the formulations
there should be any national
or international
Finally, it was also recognised
past and its relationship
A Constructive
of pluralism
Pluralism
in different
con-
used should be taken to suggest that
efforts to contain pluralism.
our understanding
that greater clarity is needed regarding
to the development
of a constructive
pluralism
of the
for the future.
1
Fields
hile the fact of increasing
for action
pluralism was recognised as universal, it was also acknowledged
that each society has its own particular
character and history. Matters of pluralism within
a state have also to be seen in the context
of a wider international
positive
a good example
form - for instance, by providing
development
through
diasporas. Or it can take a negative
can have major implications
bouring
environment.
or the promotion
This can take a
of intercontinental
form: e.g. nationalism
in one country
diasporas and the influence
for others - again through
of neigh-
nations.
How to respond to pluralism is an issue for us all and needs to be addressed at the personal, social,
cultural
and political
levels: the personal, because it is about who we are and how we define our-
selves; the social, because it concerns how we interact
with each other; the cultural,
inevitably
involves our beliefs, ideas and understandings;
modation
of pluralism involves the distribution
participants
and the political
because it
because the accom-
of power and access to resources. For this reason,
considered the role of both the State and civil society.
2
TheState
A
11 participants
instance,
framework
recognised
by promoting
- and the continual
play a negative
the important
and positive
a sense of belonging
role that the State can play - for
and common
citizenship
in a democratic
need for the renewal of its role. But State institutions
role if, in a pluralistic
society, they only reflect the priorities
group. In most States the ethnic and cultural
composition
of populations
can also
of one dominant
is changing
and there
16
I
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
is often an awakening
one particular
of ethnic identities
within
these new demographic
model that can be applied in all circumstances,
landscapes. There is no
and participants
stressed the need
for a flexible approach.
To help make ethnically,
religiously
to address the following:
. processes of participation
quantitative,
majority
.
that include all groups and ensure qualitative,
as opposed to merely
(i.e. such processes should not exclude minorities
representation
it is important
in the name of
rule);
inclusive and flexible
minority,
of all groups and full representation
deprived and marginalized
decentralised
sustainable
- and the working of constitutions and participation
by
approaches to constitution-making
to ensure proper representation
.
.
.
.
.
plural societies work effectively,
and culturally
groups;
or devolved structures,
development
as appropriate;
and equitable
resource allocation;
codes of conduct for politicians
recognition and implementation
and other leaders;
the development
processes that promote
itive attitudes
of educational
peoples’ rights;
understanding
of pluralism
and pos-
to people in other communities;
.
.
providing
.
.
a legal framework
conditions
facilitating
of indigenous
in which public and other media can reflect the diversity of society;
the opportunities
for inter-cultural
contacts
and equitable
allocation
of funding
for cultural activities;
the building
to safeguard rights;
of oversight institutions
son, so that they become important
such as human rights commissions and the ombudsperrole players in maintaining
democratic
governance.
3
Civil Society
T
here is a key role for a vigorous
democratic
civil society in empowering
sions). Civil society organisations
mote dialogue through
have the advantage of being flexible,
their networks.
The following
component
(although
creative and able to pro-
parts of civil society merit
particular attention:
.
community groups, and other NGOs, which can bridge cross-community
l
pluralism
it is, of course, possible for elements in civil society to exacerbate tensions and deepen divi-
local authorities,
mony;
which can be effective
instruments
in strengthening
divisions:
intra-communal
har-
17
.________..
Towards
.
the media, in encouraging
structive
l
l
.
Pluralism
of the realities and issues involved in con-
increased understanding
pluralism;
professional
different
A Constructive
associations,
which
members of different
can encourage
communication
between
and co-operation
cultures;
businesses and trade unions, which can promote diversity in the workplace through inclusive
working practices, diverse representation and culturally sensitive working arrangements;
religious
groups, which can encourage
mutual
respect and understanding
if they emphasise
the inclusive aspects of their respective traditions:
.
the academic community,
through
the encouragement
of greater understanding
of the nature
of pluralism;
.
multi-cultural
publications
.
increased cultural
and media which provide for the positive
self-expression
of par-
and combat divisions;
ticular communities
diversity in the market-place.
4
lnternational
hile recognising
that international
quium also recognised
regional
and international
exploitation
religious
of pluralism
interventions
the important
institutions
and promoting
bodies
can sometimes
and sometimes
and organisations
appreciation
be negative,
the collo-
decisive role that can be played by
in standing
firm against
the negative
and respect for human rights and ethnic,
and cultural pluralism.
~. -r--.-.-~
Recommendations
T
he colloquium
recognised
that all sections of society need to work in partnership
to sus-
celebrate and popularise constructive pluralism. There is a particular need for positive leadership to make pluralism attractive and viable.
tain policies which support,
Participants
urged UNESCO and the Commonwealth
isations as appropriate,
-
Secretariat,
in conjunction
with other organ-
to:
.-.I._ ..-_ l..--
--_..
18
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
promote
l
further discussion on issues of pluralism,
including
at regional level and through the
media;
.
already involved in this area and construct a data-base of
review the work of organisations
those with technical expertise in the promotion
bating
and implementation
of pluralism (e.g. in com-
stereotypes);
produce a manual of ‘best practice’, a code of conduct and normative
l
promote
l
lowing
.
international
recognition
guidelines;
of the examples of States and institutions
which are fol-
best practice;
encourage
the creation
of ‘early warning’
mechanisms
to detect incipient
conflict
in plural
by a further small working
group to
societies and combat divisiveness and ghettoisation;
distribute this document as widely as possible.
l
It was suggested that this colloquium
explore these and other possibilities
might
be followed
further.
Participants also stressed that:
.
religious, ethnic, linguistic and other groups should be encouraged to emphasise those aspects
in their traditions
.
where appropriate
in reconstructing
respect and understanding;
and requested, assistance should be given to individuals and communities
their identities when these have been disrupted by migration and urbanisathat foster mutual
tion;
.
a range of educational
processes should be developed
to support interaction
and encourage
respect between communities;
.
academics, policy makers and practioners
should be encouraged
to engage in dialogue
with
each other to inform the debate on pluralism.
Finally, the colloquium
underlined
should be undertaken.
In this context,
the importance
of a number of areas in which further research
it was recognised
that a number of bodies could assist in
work addressing the following areas:
.
the implications of globalisation on issues of identity and the capacity of groups to interact;
.
the impact of technological change on various levels of pluralism;
.
the affective as well as the rational dimensions of pluralism;
.
the challenge
.
the implications
.
the effect of existing
of pluralism
at rural, urban, regional
and global level;
of cultural rights;
measures to promote equality and respect for human dignity.
Synthesis
PREAMBLE
:
The constructive
T
he presence
of a plurality
of cultures
in’ a
on whose development
given society is a necessary but not a suffi-
cient pre-condition
for cultural
because these cultures
pluralism.
represent
ence. Thereafter,
the basic elements
which
because a simple juxtaposition
make up cultural
pluralism
plural-
and bonds which
interplay.
characterize
possible for cultures to exist
It is perfectly
side by side and, yet, to remain
another.
Cultural
ignorant
of cultures than about
coexistence
of one
an interaction
which leads them to break out of their isolation
become part of a wider
process, a construction
context.
progresses,
of this construct,
as the construction
for the construction
process or the conditions
and principles
depends
of the edifice
of
to distinguish
coexistence)
(cross-cultural
of a dynamic
roles of the different
morphic
according
from
pluralism
nature.
dividing
is characterized
different
process shows that it
sexual differences
particularity
diversity
fatalism,
pluralism
image of pluralism
a reality.
should not be envisaged necessarily
with
as a constraint
circumstances,
imposed by historical
and articles)
the central
and in the debates
themes
(refer to list of participants
colloquium
underlying
(refer to list of written
to a contribution
accompanying
A surname
contributions
made by the participant
totality
of living
alone refers to the article
in appendix).
or thinking.
any definition
as possible,
A surname
in the course of the debates.
meetings.
in parentheses
submitted
followed
geographic
or
This
can make up cultural
in their written
each of the colloquium’s
The names stated
but
differences,
of forms in which it manifests
both
the
on any other form of
which
means that
by the participants,
the colloquium.
in appendix).
in ways
needs to be as broad
but also as an objective which has been chosen and
is based on the ideas introduced
or indeed
of elements
of forms
cultures. Most often,
this is based on ethnic or religious
fertilization).
by its poly-
used in establishing
to the criteria
Pluralism
around
to be used
It assumes a multiplicity
line between
is possible to act, in at least some measure, to make
documents
participants
and the instruments
it (third stage).
Cultural
a
the positive
This synthesis
on which
(second stage),
it can also be founded on linguistic,
l
i.e. the type
the solidity
in achieving
of degrees which sep-
arate the basest form [indifferent
This vision
the
one wishes to build from cultural plural-
in the construction
It is a dynamic
it is possible
series of steps or a hierarchy
the most developed
aims and legitimacy
and the respective
and
plu-
to one’s wishes by defining
which may evolve and suf-
fer setbacks. Consequently,
pluralism
about the kind of cultural
ism (first stage), the framework
is thus less about this
pluralism
of cultural
ralism that conforms
of edifice
cultural
to be
in a given society. It becomes equally pos-
sible to help bring
of diverse cultures does not in itself create the interconnections
it is possible to exert influ-
one is no longer condemned
a passive observer of the development
Necessary,
the raw materials,
ism; not sufficient,
option
of the term
including
the
itself: it is not
contributions
[working
The ideas are organized
are those of the participants
by the participant
by the abbreviation
“deb.”
for the
refers
20
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
defined from the standpoint
teria, but from
that
of fixed objective cri-
of
the
perception
(by an
observer or by one of the parties involved)
ference between
nized
at least two cultural
as being
difference,
external
distinct
however
from
anodyne
between
population
perception
each
violence
groups
This
the feel-
and conflicts
which
are apparently
of this subjective
the importance
of difference
other.
to engender
divergence:
very close indicate
forms recog-
it may appear to an
observer, is sufficient
ing of a cultural
of a dif-
in the definition of cultural
become cultural melting pots par excellence, a fact
by their susceptibility
explained
the presence
of the field
of pluralism
covered
is most apparent
porary societies, where multiculturalism
the exception,
except at village
do not include
level or in very isolated
homogeneous
that intercultural
phenomena
laboratory”
globalization,
spatial and temporal
deb.] which
winkin,
and involuntary
tiplicity
of situations,
and yet perfectly
diversity
contradicts
unique in
one of the characteristic
fea-
landscapes, namely their soul-
But every megalopolis
monotony.
its own particular
a mul-
it produces. ‘The idea of
the type of interactions
brand of monotony”
an “urban divers@”
ing to the specific ingredients
distils
[Haeringer],
which varies accordfound in each city.
variety. In the
of
move-
(in the case of immigrants)
of contacts between different
of social move-
ideas (via diasporas) and a diver-
of cultural
the 185 sovereign
life within
every State. “Among
States, it has been estimated
there are about 4,000 ethno-cultural
per cent of these States contain
entities.
that
Forty
five or more such
less than a third have ethnic majori-
ties; some, such as lndia and Nigeria,
each; others,
Guyana, Northern
lreland and Trinidad
bipolar”
possess over
such as Belgium,
Fiji,
and Tobago,
[Premdas].
tural pluralism,
eral factors
large urban centres and their environs,
in
which have
characteristic
eth century (within
of
the
Roman,
Empires),
Europe,
which
intercultural
geopolitical
relations
peoples
and Austro-Hungarian
it is different
existed in previous
the new
era. If
of the twenti-
the very different
Ottoman
today
of gen-
of the modern
already existed between
in kind from
centuries.
context,
global level, by the domination
that
In addition
characterized,
to
at a
of the nation-state
model and by the phenomenon
of globalization,
people living in the same society sometimes develop
world
views
and value
from one another,
nomic.
systems which
are distant
even to the point of being anti-
Contemporary
multiculturalism
also has a
greater aspect of protest about it, which is linked to
the spread of democratic
awareness
is observed particularly
one can perceive a number
cultural pluralism is not an invention
whereas
This phenomenon
of forms taken by cul-
Behind the multiplicity
communi-
the shrinking
countries, an intemationalization
are ethnically
is at once both
with every other, in that it contains
producing
(in the case of refugees) bring with
ments and political
one hundred
themselves
identical
in contem-
distance and population
them a multiplication
communities;
manifest
each one is a “full-scale
is no longer
societies which
any strand of cultural
of increased
ments, both voluntary
sification
groups
but the rule. Nowadays, it is difficult,
ties, to find culturally
context
by the
to social trends and
of population
with the greatest intensity;
destroying
This broadening
them
from every comer of the globe. It is in the big towns
tures of megapolitan
pluralism.
definition
within
generally
of
individual
“in pre-modem
ideas and to a heightened
and
collective
societies,
accepted their subordinate
minority
rights,
groups
condition
and
remained enclosed in the social and even geograph-
Towards
ical
spaces assigned
group”
by the dominant
to them
A Constructive
instances of discrimination,
[Parekh].
genocide
Pluralism
repression,
deb.]. Recalling
[Mazrui,
civil war and
the worst
that
can happen is a necessary precursor to any discusCultural
image, having
bration
today enjoys a favourable
pluralism
even become fashionable.
The cele-
and cultural crossbreeding
of diversity
conect” and gained exposure in official
ing. To temper
this widespread,
a
legitimacy
motivation
the violence
view,
pluralism
without
is
on,
losing
“Examples
of
sight
the
not an end in itself, that it can lead to evil as well
effects
of
important
division
to
alternative,
is
case, the extremely
a conflictual
of cultural pluralism
interpretation
long. On a scale from “least worst”
to the wholly
bad, one could point out innumerable
acts linked to
a negative
perception
of cultural
pluralism,
a
that
can engender,
of the hope
it can convey.
and
destabilizing
abound. But it is also
pluralism’
attention
positive,
aware of
pluralism
should be given to the
concept”
[Anyaoku].
In. any
bloody consequences
of the
should incite us to do everything
option
to ensure that it is the constructive
evoking
supplementary
of a more harmo-
subversive
of ‘divisive
destructive
and it con-
It is necessary to remain
that cultural
as good and that it acts all too often as a factor
and of war. The list of crimes imputable
and
for, the construction
nious pluralism.
sloganeer-
rose-tinted
one should recall that cultural
however,
fers
has
sphere, become “politically
entered into the public
of cultural pluralism
sion of the virtues
option
that wins
through.
1
Pluralism
CONSTRUCTING
THE
as a constructive
force
questions
FUTURE
cultural
The debate on cultural pluralism
should be viewed
concerning
identity
social
system.
the nature
of personal
and the most appropriate
Conceptual
analysis,
and
type of
pushing
the
in the light of the gap between fact and theory. In
inherent
fact, cultural
pluralism
limits, reveals the role that could be played by such
and conflict.
In theory, when one views it in its ideal
is often a source of tension
form, such as it can and must be, it appears as an
for the future and a motor for the pres-
opportunity
ent. It is this potential
future
which
which
to positively
gives it its reason
makes it a constructive
therefore
possible to highlight
by analysing
wider
in the evolution
world
dence,
of cultural
while
supported
pluralism
to their
of a richer, more varied,
an examination
by historical
of factual
evi-
or contemporary
transform
the
examples, cannot help but show how it has come to
for existing
and
be associated
it is
umph of narrow-mindedness.
force. Initially,
its positive
character
the role it plays in redefining
the vari-
ous fields in which it exerts its influence.
us to reformulate
pluralism
potentialities
It obliges
the terms of the debate regarding
with
The construction
sectarian
division
and the tri-
of a true cultural
pluralism
thus supposes, in theory, the abandonment
of inter-
cultural antagonisms
and the rise of a shared culture
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
based on the acceptance
of
acceptance
a levelling
does not signify
suppressing
capacity
or ignoring
to transform
recognized
of
but the
ences. It implies
into an advantage
and
achieved
a more thoroughgoing
develop-
enrichment.
In
or silent conflict
Different
of a greater edifice.
is to inform
pluralism.
festation
conflict,
of a true will to make diversity
definition
of the socio-political
here,
pluralism
A more constructive view of cultural diversity is
in
that it should not simply be tolerated,
ognized
of the creative force
by the interaction
liberated
important
to recognize
vision of cultural
remember
that negativity
too facile,
and integrated
The
determines
has its place
or too ecumenical,
pluralism) just as it is important
a
to
is a stage in the construc-
that conflict
tion of pluralism,
plan.
discord. It is thus
the basis for
(it guards against
of differ-
do not become
ences, so long as those differences
rigid and form
is particularly
to
of society and makes the
the maturing
a rational
choice of building
capable of integrating
“cultural
diversity
applicable
organization
to the
generated
accepting
towards redefining
have to be forgotten.
can continue
Such
to flourish without neces-
reaction,
sarily leading
to a state of war between the various
more aware society
components
of society.
itself.
and the desire to protect
factors
more evident
mean that people
while
evolving
The fear of confrontation
than warmth
or openness
-
vivendi
that
is mutually
advantageous. At the very least, when it does not
degenerate
into
conflict,
such an approach
is
of the democratic
edi- or
management
the construction
which
of those danof a stronger,
is more at peace with
one’s own interests - often
tend to keep at a safe distance
a modus
step
despite the dangers involved
thanks to an intelligent
gers - it permits
is a preliminary
society. Despite the all too evi-
essential for the construction
differences
minorities
[Parekh]. From this point
diversity
fice. Paradoxically,
mean that differences
society
In this sense,
not only for cultural
dent risks of violent
does not
a democratic
to
enriches and enlivens life in soci-
ety: it is desirable
by the presence of cultural diversity. The establishrelations
unawareness
all differences.
ment of harmonious
intercultural
game-
cultural pluralism
manage
latter evolve from a state of political
of view,
This pattern
ability
but fully rec-
into the democratic
but for society as a whole”
not its conclusion.
type of social and political
part of the
system.
order for itself to be surpassed. This way of think-
and energy
a precarious
rather than a mani-
ing constitutes
the recognition
It is no
of diversity. It is a defensive strat-
egy aimed at avoiding
elements are not
of cultural
of cultural
more than a state of non-belligerence,
a true acceptance
by rearrange-
The role of the negative,
the construction
through
ment of the concept
equilibrium of the forces there present, rather than
of differ-
Rather, they are used in the construction
eliminated.
diversity
of the social corpus. This simple tolcould be
of this conflict
ment into new patterns.
in the context
falls far short of what
a form of latent
and the overcoming
of toler-
erance, however,
by the recognition
generated
of a climate
and
cultural pluralism takes account of the
this instance,
tributes to the establishment
ance - a first step on the way to accepting
maintained
a factor of individual and collective
negativity
process, or
differences,
this diversity,
in its specificity,
Such an
diversity.
cultural pluralism
con-
This re-organization
and social
of the political
scene made possible by the presence of cultural pluralism has its equivalent
far as contact
rethinking
with
at an individual
different
of the meaning
cultures
level, in so
leads to a
of personal
identity.
Towards
Consciousness
from the consciousness
manifested
cannot be separated
of one’s identity
of others’ existence.
tification
with a group, comparison
ple
the
and
interiorization
with other peo-
of
social
in various ways, establish
which,
other people as self-awareness
to this model, however,
points of reference
identity.
Cultural
the presence
This is
processes such as iden-
by psychological
categories
the existence
of
pluralism
with
order
attitude;
to define
pseudo-psychology.
of facile
multifaceted
reality,
by circumstances
clearly
construction
to one
more harmonious
in the
time
to participate
That implies the existence
beyond
cultures
parts of it.
of individuals
capable of
the limits of the culture
Admittedly,
assigned
However,
the
existing
mindset whereby in affirming
transcending
the
their own culture they
reject others.
the
personal
identity
open to the most diverse influ-
ences, using any of them according
free of the obligation
change, decompose,
pose. There is no unchanging
trans-historical
dynamic
rigid
identity,
cultural
makes possible
being
which
avoids
and takes account
of
thus no longer an immutable
Personal identity
constant,
that changes concomitantly
from which it draws its component
in the re-modelling
force
for
creativity
to be blunted
tend
external
and
when
influences.
of
pluralism
is
innovation,
cultures
evolve
In the second, it invig-
of the same patterns
rejuvenate
tion,
folklorization
Pluralism’s
and whose inability
or straightforward
constructive
survival even, which
extinction.
force here is a force for life,
permits
the creation
of cultures. Openness to cultural
regeneration
sity can thus save each particular
lation,
to
themselves means that they risk fossiliza-
inertia
and atrophy.
them, this intercourse
into them by forcing
with
and/or
diver-
culture from iso-
Far from
endangering
others can breathe life
them to face new challenges
and find new solutions: “a society does not become
of life choices and ways of thinking
that are open to an individual.
struction
[Badie,
of this open and
pluralism
of the human
recom-
there is no
in identities”
the emergence
compartmentalization
the multiplicity
identity,
permanence
deb.]. By favouring
a single cul-
produced by
forms
orates old cultures exhausted by the ceaseless repetition
to its needs and
to move within
tural sphere: “identities
a redefinition
of
This becomes apparent
new
or equally
driving
without
thus leads to a conception
of
context.
if it engen-
cultures. In the first instance,
which
Cultural pluralism
in contact.
in a multicultural
interplay.
emergence
hybridization
and
and on
can remain closed while
is only truly fertile
ders cross-cultural
in
has on the
of cultures
evolving
pluralism
ping
themselves
which
leads at the same
social relations
those cultures
to them at the time of their birth, capable of stepoutside
free of the conceptions
to a transformation
simultaneously
role in the defini-
but become integral
of identity,
thinking
fully
different
must not only play a referential
more
in his
of a more open personality
who are either hostile or indifferent
tion
Rather,
The impact which cultural pluralism
as
delineated
For pluralism
identity,
of
of birth.
another.
of personal
sort
it is to conceive the individual
identities
construction
that
in
would imply a risk of descending into the
approach
realm
a mental
pluralism
of individual
is thus internalized
of individuals
to cultural
limit him to a single culture, most often determined
other people exist only as
in the affirmation
Pluralism
a matter of using references
fundamentally,
develops. According
A Constructive
is
but a con-
with pluralism
parts. This is not
strong by isolating
mentality,
[Mayor].
but
itself
or by adopting
by openness
and
a fortress
interaction”
24
-Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
THE
PRESENT
prepared to change listening
RECONSTRUCTED
musical forms other than those of the domi-
with
With all their potential,
the constructive
of
belong
cultural
pluralism
to
nant culture. The craze for non-western
possibilities
spirituality
a hypothetical
future, and nothing guarantees that these ideals will
ever become concrete
structive character
promise.
reality.
One can observe
in a whole
is also a sign of the development
exchange which is not necessarily
ited to mimicry
and the clumsy re-enactment
power contained
within
cultural
diversity
contact
range of gastronomic,
view
of
foreigners
societies opens up a new
religious
and musical choices
at school, on
and thus increases the freedom of the individual by
housing,
has
allowing
transformed
the
and in municipal
and
in contemporary
among
him or her access to planet-wide
ism are not merely those resulting
homogeneity
tion
in their
lives. Nowadays,
is no longer some remote,
the “for-
exotic being but
of modes of living
the indigenous
culture and imported
behaviour:
“the lifestyles
important
section
exchanges
and individual
and consumer habits of an
of the population
the adoption
viewed as foreign
immigration”
and
of influences
and exotic,
often
are changing
a cross-pollination
tively participates
Chinese, lndian
a richer
nourished by disparate
from cultures
of the West by the presence
populations.
Such develop-
of large immigrant
Placed at the centre of cultural
observed in
are readily
inter-
of “ethnic”
or Mexican
restaurants
cuisine and the
opposed
civilizations,
of origin
(or their parents’
that of the country
dual sense of belonging
Once foreign
of this kind have now so far entered into
that
which
enriches
results
country
in which
conflict
interchange.
they increasingly
act as a bridge between the culture of their country
spread of exotic fashions bear witness to a general-
elements
sphere,
impetus in the big cities
ments are given particular
ized pattern
of cultural
of artistic cre-
imaginative
influences.
effec-
change, often torn by a sense of belonging to two
everyday life. The popularity
offering
in the regeneration
as a result of
[Martiniello].
phenomena
ones. Cultural diversity
and promotes
ativity
historically
These
but
between
from
there are, by choice, taste or unconencounters
cultures
forms resulting
or work colleague. Despite difficulties
the social landscape
from distant
of hybrid
a neighbour
modify
from the adop-
also by the development
and friction,
scious habituation,
variety.
The changes brought about by cultural plural-
population
groups more accustomed in the past to a certain
through
of a
In the large cities, the everyday
overturned the old norms
which
of
lim-
few badly learned rituals. The presence of cultural
transport
eigner”
by oversim-
indicate
with other cultures, in the workplace,
popular
intercultural
or the beliefs of the
when not distorted
which
the transformative
public-
plification,
merely
a
Buddhism
Indians),
the con-
is not
the effects
(whether
American
forms of
phenomena
series of contemporary
pluralism.
However,
of pluralism
habits and experiment
of origin)
and, sometimes,
from
the cultural
and
they now live. This
it, fosters
life
the inner
a creativity
of the country in
the way of life of the host countries as to become
which it is manifested.
Artists from ethnic minorities
part of them. Similarly, the success of “world
bring new approaches,
references and themes to the
has allowed
music”
the sounds of Pakistan, Cuba and Cape
spheres of music, art and cinematography.
Verde to travel far from their countries of origin to
British-Asian
reach a whole
creating
new audience
eager for novelty
and
or France-Maghrebin
startling
fusions
Young
musicians
of traditional
lndian
are
or
25
-I
Towards
IYUILII
nl,lCclll
Similarly,
IIIU,IL
dll”
the vitality
and Francophone
I”CI\(
LCCllll”
dllU
of contemporary
of several cul-
tures and several languages, to immigrants
colonies.
Rooted
or citi-
in the Caribbean,
Nigeria,
lndia or Morocco,
priating
English and French for their own ends, give
peculiarities
lllLClCUllUlal
rrlarl?KJcrrl~rlL
CUllUral
of development
consideration
will
of capitalist
societies.
in determining
develop,
whether
Creolization,
of speech or phrasing
ness the
However,
working
of cultural
[Martiniello]
cultural
linked
practices
demand emanating
ties whose
pluralism
on the econ-
We can henceforward
of
a “multicultural
to the general
and
to
the
wit-
market”
spread of interdiversification
from ethnic or linguistic
needs are not yet catered
of
minori-
for by the
culture. This is notable in the field of par-
dominant
ticularistic
media
able profits
minority
profit
practices.
it is on individuals
intercultural
themselves
and publishing,
where
can be made while enabling
groups to maintain
consider-
members of
intra-community
soli-
it is no longer rare
to several cultures
simultane-
to one single
culture. We are today witnessing
the emergence
new forms of citizenship
call into
question
a single lifelong
identity.
the necessity
of having
which
The instances of dual nationality,
competing
loyalties
split identities
have become common
of
and
and are
well suited to an age in which cultural and national
frontiers
are no longer
religions
setting.
affinities
understanding
and a better
which
to be insur-
considered
obstacles. Multicultural
mountable
bilingualism
favour
of other
one encounters in the intercultural
The children
of immigrants
darity. The world of work has likewise had to adapt
mixed marriages
to the new social set-up. Certain companies
ties: that of their parents,
have
that
effects of increased
contacts. Nowadays,
to claim allegiance
evolution
companies
the aim is to improve
margins or to organize
ously and to refuse to be restricted
The effects
It is a key
the way
one observes the most profound
and
using neologisms.
omy are also apparent.
plural-
in the pattern
these authors, by appro-
these languages new energy through
introducing
“I
Pluralism
ism has thus become a core element
Anglophone
can be largely attributed
literature
to writers who are at the confluence
zens of former
clplr5
‘“IJ.
A Constructive
and those from
thus have several cultural
identi-
that of their country
of
to follow
emerg-
ethnic origin, that of the country in which they live
ing trends
and have developed strategies
to take
and that of countries
advantage
of the fashionability
realized
that it is in their interest
of all things
nic”. They have done this by tailoring
to a more diversified
themselves
image of cul-
They have even carried
re-organization
employees
their products
and by identifying
with a joyous and playful
tural pluralism.
rate
clientele
to
from minority
cater
“eth-
for
out corpo-
the
groups, according
needs
of
to prin-
to live. By personal
where perhaps they would
choice,
they
cultural
references,
selecting
another
as they see fit. Cultural
the way in which individuals
tion to the world.
like
can accumulate
or discarding
pluralism
one or
thus shifts
see themselves
in rela-
It leaves its mark on the present
and moulds the image of the future.
26
--
--Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
2
Foundations:
for a constructive
the pre-conditions
PLURALISM
AND THE DEMOCRATIC IDEAL
pluralism
ular the right to practise one’s religion
one’s own language,
The constructive
creation
character
of stronger
vidualities;
certain principles
this result
and indi-
and conditions
of view,
a constructive
pluralism,
pursuit
defined,
of
a democratic
ideal
in a very broad sense, by the capacity
society to recognize
individual
and collective
and to assure the full participation
life.
For harmonious
relations
between different
is
of a
rights
and representa-
tion of every section of society in political
nomic
or at
that
and ecoto become
rights,
acting
recognition
attempts
in its
ideally,
sion-making
ticular,
an active part in discussion
participation
and deci-
which affect society as a whole. In par-
it is necessary
developing
into public life
countries
“to help elected
leaders in
understand
inclusion,
and decentralization
that
as a gauge by which
in the democratic
of one group
of respect,
dissension
component
cultural
pluralism”
without which no attempt
at building
a pluralistic
society could work.
“an
of
ethic
of
While the defence of cultural
of a collective
marginalized
particularly
applicable
linked
to respect for human
the rights
of minorities.
therefore
takes
by the imperatives
rights and particularly
The defence
rights (or the right to a cultural
identity),
of cultural
in partic-
rights implies the
rights, it also implies the
cultural
identity.
to the indigenous
whose most basic rights continue
of pluralism
between
[Nethersole]
trative
of individual
determined
These
groups of society, are illus-
recognition
The construction
edi-
and the
should form the basis of relations
recognition
place in a context
life of a
to oppress another.
[Perry]. Pluralism
of its rights.
of
solidarity and justice which,
fails so long as any group feels itself to be excluded,
or deprived
the level
of various social groups
of withstanding
the different
of decision-mak-
ing must replace authoritarianism”
of a
it from other
Respect for cultural
[Stavenhagen].
of the identities
capable
essential that each one of them is recognized
and taking
and products
on which one can hope to build a solid pluralist
fice
principles
while being integrated
of the
society can be measured, thus forms the foundation
it is
individuality,
of artistic and sci-
activities
and their participation
solely a
over the
“the sum total
but rather
similar groups”
communities,
established
is neither
nor yet the expression
and spiritual
liberties.
by humanity
accumulated
given social group which distinguishes
indeed that which
all the others, is the achievement
from this general
of in this way, culture
creativity,
material
condition
least
Conceived
form of capital
entific
constructed.
the primary
is inseparable
defence of human rights and fundamental
centuries,
which give plural-
embodies
the
by
In other words, to be constructive,
this point
allowing
the
is conditioned
must first itself be properly
pluralism
From
allows
and richer societies
however,
ism its strength.
of pluralism
and to speak
This is
peoples,
to be flouted in a
number of countries. Their current demands simultaneously
express a will to benefit,
on an individual
level, from the same rights enjoyed by other citizens
and the need to obtain reparation
ment
suffered
collectively.
for unjust treat-
The inclusion
of these
27
--~w
Towards
groups in national
life therefore
requires that their
be taken into account:
group identity
“they have to
A Constructive
extended to include a real measure of power-sharing, even in sensitive
areas: in political
be allotted a special status so that they are not sim-
tion, including
representation
ply regarded as just one more ethnic group among
the awarding
of administrative
others” (Wilson, deb.]. This necessitates
tion of an indigenous
rich tangible
and intangible
these peoples.
sometimes
cultural
the recogni-
identity
and of the
with
allocation
of
financial,
representa-
at leadership
level, in
posts, and in the
natural
and
territorial
resources held by the social body as a whole.
produced by
heritage
Their claim to ancestral
invested
Pluralism
territories,
a sacred character,
Once
also
the
principle
of
power-sharing
cultural pluralism requires effective
accepted,
is
meth-
leads one to postulate
their right to recover, within
ods to be put into practice so that the interests of
those
which
all communities
territories
from
they have been dis-
placed, a form of sovereignty
definition
of a unified
with
Where
the
such
exist, the way in which they have been
populations
integrated
excluded
compatible
nation-state.
life or have continued to be
into national
from it constitutes
a touchstone
evaluation of the level to which
committed
to making
cultural
for the
each country is
work.
pluralism
reduction
of the democratic
so far as this formal
behind
a facade
minorities.
While it is undoubtedly
and artistic
religious
freedoms,
for example)
this is merely one element
societal diversity
alism”
essential
festivals,
compromise,
among
into account.
which
rights
are recognized,
others in taking
A “light
multicultur-
the framework
by negotiation,
based on exchange
at solutions
and adaptation
pluralism.
This
rather than being an abstract
or
consensus at all costs by fudging
design, the need for the recognition
of the political
aggravating
the reverse of the desired effect
intercultural
ism, understood only
holidays,
festivals
ethno-cultural
effect
tensions:
as cultural concessions
long run instigating
is merely decorative
to be counter-productive
for
empowered
and minority
To forestall
the attention
communities”
in
in the
anger and alienation
from dis[Premdas].
given to purely
illustrative
cultural
and-take
principle
acknowledged
sitof
compromise,
disagreements,
is
due to the give-
its practice,
intercultural
the
arising
and the willingness
concerned
parties
mean that
permanently
accommodation
Ethnic
has
of cultural
are
diversity
never
of
of the
to their
have to remain
open: “the search for effective
‘problems’
be
of unforeseen
listening
negotiations
to
character
or otherwise
to continue
reaches
is never likeiy
The fluctuating
relations,
obstacles
It
that such negotiation
issues being used as an excuse or cover for political
it must be
vision
desire to arrive at a
itself,
underlying
to end definitively.
partners
for
consensus” [Nethersole].
inertia and the perpetuation
of exclusion,
are
of the real process which takes place on
the ground: “compromise
beyond
and State subsidies granted to
associations,
and likely
by
“multicultural-
which
to concrete
search
to
even produce
in order
is part and parcel of a pragmatic
uations,
cultural
might
of contractual
agreeable to all parties. The search for compromise
only
Such a strategy
of the
and minorities
by accident
of all communities.
pays attention
within
to a dictatorship
of
pluralism will favour seeking
between majority
to arrive,
can serve to justify,
unjust treatment
cultural symbols, obscures, whether
rights
[Martiniello]
that cultural
linguistic
definition
of legality,
a constructive
The
insidious in
is particularly
In preference
majority,
account.
ideal to the application
of the law of the majority
relations
rights (regarding
can be taken into
policy
is endless (...I
‘solved’;
policies
28
I
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
addressing
multicultural
realities
cannot
be fixed
poung].
and rigid”
a pure abstraction
political
attention
The acceptance
of a necessarily
of compromise
shifting
the will to construct
tionship
antee equitable
complexity
of intercultural
countries
and the material
life.
Thus, the
like
in countries
and Tobago
has led these
to put in place representational
of the most disadvantaged
systems
civil and political
rights”
are often
and political
[Gawanas,
socio-economic
inequalities
primary
As long as it fails to take steps to
victims.
of which
combat social inequality,
democracy
empty shell, all form but no content.
failings,
to reconcile
social and economic
an effort
“Consociationist”
munities.
elements
present in the Swiss political
opinions
consultation,
mindisch].
a confrontation
general
compromise
The possibility
ever, weakened
reluctant
ends, after
in
and
are similarly
between
two
antagonistic
“a dualistic
puts
be those who
anyone
[Martiniello].
prosperity
who
is perceived
Long term economic
ciated
from
poverty
and underdevelopment
a compromise”
societies,
the
[Mazrui].
spreading
By contrast,
in pluralistic
out of tensions
several groups can defuse such potentially
ous situations,
while the formation
the use of mediation
frontation.
among
danger-
of alliances and
Pluralism is more difficult
to construct
peaceful
intercultural
and war. Constructive
relations,
are factors
pluralism
that the link between political
as
in con-
thus requires
and economic
factors
be restored, as much for the sake of political
stabil-
ity as for the correction
AFFIRMATION
of economic
OF IDENTITY
Contrary
ization
to the most pessimistic
inequalities.
AND CU-~ZENSHIP
ideal which
pluralism
guides the con-
will, however,
remain
forecasts,
global-
has not as yet resulted in a straightforward
homogenization
of cultural
and the
to view the other as a danger,
of the human condition.
The democratic
planning
in
rather than one of the diverse possible incarnations
struction
to
as different”
reduce the risk of direct con-
a dualistic society, as such a dichotomy can lead one
group spontaneously
flict
seek
of the whole of society cannot be disso-
the State in danger because it presents less sociothan is necessary to arrive at
will
ethnic and cultural
and the greater will be their tendency
identities
reject
logical
differentiation
increase
and insecurity increases,
inequality
refuge in exclusive but protective
groups
society
if
any attempt to build a democratic mul-
divergences,
the more numerous will
is, how-
an
ticultural society will remain elusive. The more that
participative
is reduced to
remains
“ln effect,
splits and inequalities
socio-economic
pragmatism”
they are the
and if they become superimposed on ethno-cultural
and contra-
for compromise
when multiculturalism
to give ground:
com-
system where “the tak-
ing into account of the most divergent
dictoly
some-
demands of the different
deb.]. Ethnic
being aggravated by
which, despite their
demonstrate
of
doubly excluded, with cultural
discrimination
and forms of social organization
times contradictory
cir-
communi-
social and cultural rights, more than just
economic,
minorities
and the participation
relations
to social inequality
ties. “We have to see pluralism also in the context
in democratic
Mauritius or Trinidad
by due
is expressive of
- which is able to guar-
power-sharing
account of
into
accompanied
cumstances
a certain special form of rela-
of all communities
is not
and the pursuit
equilibrium
- a “consociation”
if the taking
differences
of behaviour
and
outlook. The
results have been mixed. On the one hand, there has
been a progression
of certain
homogenizing
ten-
29
Towards
dencies, while
on the other a resistance
has developed
in the form of a new growth
tural
awareness
recognition.
and
demands
The post-modern
ized by a paradoxical
whole
of humanity
for
micro-cultural
age is thus character-
sense of belonging
while
one’s own uniqueness.
tural re-tribalization”
to the
simultaneously
affirming
This phenomenon
[Premdas] may be viewed
as a
sign of a return to the old insular means of self-def-
but it also corresponds,
inition,
interpretation,
in a less negative
to a need to find an anchorage
once again and to re-establish
point
old solidarities,
to
it must
be said that this kind of passionate sense of identity
all too
often
finding
one’s place in the world is celebrated
rejection
leads to the worst
excesses, where
by the
of others. The result is a nationalist
whose bloody
of “cul-
Pluralism
In the absence of safeguards, however,
movement
of cul-
A Constructive
the twentieth
results have been all too evident
century. Within
the pre-eminence
of the feeling
community
on a supra-community
of belonging
they
national
of the communities
become
risks
level carries explosive
same time, this attitude threatens
one shares one’s history.
to an
rather than to society
and ends by endangering
the interests
victims
in
each and every State,
ethnic or religious
understand where one comes from and with whom
fervour
either
unity.
At the
to turn against
themselves,
when
of the violence
they
have encouraged or of their own narcissistic retreat
Attempts
to build cultural pluralism by sweep-
ing away all notion
cultures, ethnic
of individual
groups or “tribes” of origin, by pretending
to ignore
into cultural ghettos,
necessity
world,
sity. The construction
the claim of cultural
hope for the future
in that
they ignore the current reality. Thus we should reject
to be tempered
“the illusion
that ethnic@,
greater
attachment’,
will be rapidly
as a form of ‘primordial
and easily replaced
the idea of citizenship,
assimilated
belonging
modern
society”
to a large,
[Cerroni-Long].
cohstructed
and complex
Pluralistic
by eliminating
by
in the pride of
civil
society
is not
idiosyncrasies
and
awareness of ethnic or other identity
but by taking
account of them and purging them of their destructive potential.
fectly
Such affirmation
legitimate
when
destructured
communities
one another
better,
links with
regain
it
of identity
allows
rootless
or individuals
their
dignity,
others and to no longer
or
by the sense of belonging
a number
ences, ideals and values with
is also essential
grating
other
to pursue a unity
different
interaction
points
to a
of refer-
communities.
and pointing
it
capable of inte-
of view,
fostering
their
them in a common
direc-
tion which gives a renewed
sense of legitimacy
and
value to each of them. Pluralism cannot ignore the
strength
between peoples; but nei-
of differences
ther must it ignore
that
which permits coherence
disunity.
which
unites
to overcome
them
and
the forces of
in
favour
and self-confidence
of each commu-
nity,
it more receptive
and less timorous
when faced with other cultures.
requires
of each communiv
and of sharing
establish
the cohesion
making
therefore
diver-
While it is necessary to take account of diversity,
represent-
this can actually
of pluralism
uniqueness
to know
feel isolated
the face of adversity. Far from necessarily
ing a danger to pluralism,
is per-
whole
grasp the
the outside
with
the richness of cultural
memories,
little
relationships
or appreciate
them as if they consisted simply of now distant folk
offer
where they cannot
of forming
usually emphasizes
This argument
tence
of common
communities
promote
attempt
universal
values, on which
can agree. In particular,
dialogue
to
surmount
the exis-
between
historical
different
all
those who
religions
antagonisms
by
30
I
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
returning
to
together,
constitute
which
the
common
denominators
a sort
of minimal
which,
creed to
can subscribe. The very gen-
all confessions
erality of these values (peace, justice, tolerance,
etc.)
makes them acceptable to everyone,
but
certainly
also explains
tackling
the fact that they are insufficient
the concrete
intercultural
problems
divergences.
of good will
which
for
result
Ecumenicism,
from
declarations
and the citing of universal
practice,
will
via the establishment
enable different
and complete
whereby
full
This is the key element
can be transcended,
with
becoming
part of an entity
larger
of his or her origin and partici-
than the community
pating,
that
to acquire
with all other citizens in the attainment
a collective
goal.
determined,
primarily,
political
The cohesion
principles
For example,
which
“what
govern
not the fact that a large proportion
fact that the Swiss share a common
tity
and aspirations
failure
and porous
state
in its name, the nation
of citizenship
of the pluralist
of iden-
are most often
the success or
construction.
While it is necessary to guard against extreme
it must be said that
the idea of a
can serve to channel undirected energies and
unite
Although
people
in
pursuing
common
goals.
it may be dangerous and criminal
when
the dreams of grandeur that it expresses are used to
is
cul-
justify
arrogance
nationalism
more
which has, at least
the assent of each of
and persecution
fulfils
a need when
individuals to surpass themselves
oppressed
people
In this context,
“dual biography”;
and “emancipatory
the search for compromise
the nationalist
nationalism”
for an ideal or
for their
nationalism
has a
nationalism”
[Appadurai].
Thus
idea should not be rejected whole-
sale, as it does not necessarily generate violence
This political
level is embodied
unity over and above community
can become a constructive
in the idea of the nation.
redefined
pies a central role in the construction
in that the loyalty
to sectarian
mobilizing
It occu-
of pluralism,
it attracts acts as a counterweight
demands. However,
role of the nation-state
the unifying
and
tends today to
the full. This is particularly
World countries
minorities.
force provided
important
role to
in some Third
where it has lost all credibility,
been used as a pretext
and
that it is
and allowed to play its integratory
ing so often
be
would
it pushes
to struggle
there is “predatory
its members, and this means that adjustments and
can be accepted by all.
of other peoples,
(perhaps the word patriotism
appropriate)
independence.
community
one
voiced. How this is done determines
creation
principles,
ill-
era, which is typically
for the crimes committed
encourages
of a political
to be at least in part
being criticized and denounced
Despite
ture” (Windisch]. Thus divisions are overcome by the
in its fundamental
itself
The
in the industrial
communication
to
(...) but the
political
globalization.
of instantaneous
is
of the
of Swiss citizens
speak two, three or even four languages
developments
frontiers.
nation
together
also seems anachro-
came to prominence
nationalism,
its organization.
holds Switzerland
often
of supra-national
which have come with increased
of
of this whole
by the acceptance
nistic in the light
still represents the place where affirmations
barriers
cultural
each individual
political
of mechanisms
communities
citizenship.
into
Along with its unfavourable
image, the nation-state
model which
and a ten-
with a will to dominate
adapted to the electronic
The search for unity cannot be founded merely
it must be translated
ates the nation
dency to use violence.
age has shown
principles
serve only to mask the persistence of conflict.
on good will;
be overshadowed by a negative vision which associ-
hav-
for crushing
“‘What has gone wrong is not the pursuit
31
Towards
of national
per se under the nation-
integration
A Constructive
cultural diversity no longer appears
Henceforth,
state, but the manner in which it has been done (...)
as a threat to national
The challenge,
ter to ask if the opposite
therefore,
is to manage
pluralism
unity. It might even be bet-
without giving up the goal of national
integration
diversity
and without
the
the best way to guarantee
further
emasculating
State”
[Dubey].
Pluralism
is true: “what
or even the encouragement
(Windisch].
the unity of a country?”
is not as absurd as it
This hypothesis
sounds, in so far as it is precisely
This redefinition
by reconciling
for differences.
nation
of the nation-state
the imperative
It supposes
is no longer
dominant
that
wedded
and respect
the idea of the
hegemony
which
necessitates
relations
the setting
and preserve
social
of view, the affirmation
of the
imply
any form
the State can represent
is no longer pertinent
when
expresses
sity into account.
The achievement
tural citizenship
may moreover
of
as strong
between
citizenship
being Hindu,
to a specific
forms the basis of a definition
citizenship”
prime importance
individual
for the future
to feel represented
nation-state,
the
formity:
society
The unity
identity.
or mul-
and
each
a State which
Compared
State
to the
carries
is the opposite
or fear towards
A multicultural
by
cul-
it. Intercultural
founded solely on the
sharing of certain values, but on the emergence
a true common identity,
in which all sensibilities
of
can
be accommodated.
This overall
struction
framework
of pluralism
problems
of citizenship
much
ference.
While it is legitimate
the cultural
recognize
rights
linked
infant
female
conflict
with
Serious
misunderstandings
abandoning
the
apparently
to defend
customs
marriage,
them”
the
circumcision
the conthe
of minority
ritual
can
may enter
even
to
groups
drug-taking
of the rest
less controversial
in theory
one is obliged
for example)
the norms
of a
respects cultural dif-
of minorities,
that certain
(polygamy,
which
to the establishment
which
different
from
within
operates leaves unresolved
specific
of uni-
State accommodates
diverse elements of society, without
idea of the nation.
is bound up with
are thus no longer
relations
fostered
in that the defence of individual
identities
concept
but cultural diversity
cultures but must draw strength
tural
give rise to feelings
as those
the
“as a basis for its unity, a multicultural
needs not uniformity
nation-states
diver-
of this multicul-
is of
of cultural diversity
achieved
and must not feel hostility
[Parekh].
community
as it permits
within
multicultural
desire for the integration
further.
national
of “cultural
[Stavenhagen],
has assumed a pluralist
without
without being black.
or this delinkage between
and belonging
ticultural
to a certain reli-
one can be lndian
or Cameroonian
This uncoupling
allegiance
and belonging
group:
attachment
but
of citizenship
which is more open and which takes cultural
coincidence,
gious or ethnic
does not
or insularity,
a concept
one has given up the idea that there should be a
[Appadurai]
Prom this
of identity
of ghettoization
the need for
up of uniintercultural
cohesion.
perfect
an “isomorphism”
the presence of
to regulate
point
By no longer being iden-
tified with a single culture,
diversity
tary structures intended
of a
to the interests
but also takes account
group,
rights of all its minorities.
all. Cultural
is achieved
of unity
if, today,
of diversity was
or
into
of society.
arise
over
issues, such as the
wearing
of the Islamic veil, construction
worship
or the practice
of certain
of places of
religious
Where, then, does one draw the line between
rites.
cus-
32
--
~~
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
tams which are compatible
with the general interest
enables us to arrive at a compromise.
and those which
cannot
found between the two extremes, where all mani-
infringing
lating
society
the rights
society, condemn in the
all those practices
adjudged unacceptable,
in the name
or vio-
Should we, in
principles?
of multicultural
name of universalism
erance,
without
of other communities
its own governing
the context
accept
which
are
or should we plead for tolof cultural
relativism,
with
regard to practices which may have a sociological
historical
justification
in certain contexts?
fact that universalism
but a fashionable
is often
viewed
way of dressing up western values
are seen, then, as being universal
to be lacking
which
in relevance
they evolved.
imperialism
by the
as nothing
them on other cultures. These values
and imposing
in name only, and
in all but the societies in
Amidst
accusations
of cultural
on the one hand and of human
abuses on the other, only a pragmatic
rights
~~770~
(dietary
holidays),
undermine
that
this context,
while
society’s
“respect
logical integrity
takes place against a
background of chronic instability.
cultural
relations
have a tendency
pected moments.
If cracks in inter-
are simply papered over, conflicts
which were thought
to have been long since buried
to burst through at the most unexThe real challenge,
much about preventing
an explosion
the structures capable of ensuring
threaten
to
foundations are not. In
for the physical
and psycho-
of the human person could be seen
the lowest
common
denominator
in
the legitimacy
of a community’s
cultural
demands”
[Martiniello].
When
the most
extreme
views have been set aside, any disagreement
involv-
and the general laws of
ing the rights of a minority
a sociev
has to be resolved by contractual
tion rather than by using a pre-prepared
is in the pursuit of this ever-elusive
unity and diversity
consolidated
negotiaformula.
It
balance between
that the pluralistic
edifice can be
and brought to completion.
a constructive
pluralism
at some
time
[Appadurai]
or another.
until
The
a “sustainable
structure
pluralism”
has been established, one sufficiently
solid to stand the test of time. Such an ambitious
project
requires
that all available
lized, that all the energy
and that new procedures
means be mobi-
of society
be harnessed
be established.
then, is not so
of old resent-
ments in times of crisis as about putting
resentments
of places of worship,
those which
evaluating
future
of pluralism
save those which con-
of a society are accepted
customs, construction
religious
remains incomplete
The construction
identity
is
approach
The means of building
STATE
of cultural
tradict the basic principles
to represent
is made more complicated
The question
or
festations
A mid-point
in place
that these latent
do not bubble to the surface in the
In this context,
pluralism
to talk of the “management”
seems inappropriate,
of
as it implies that the
rules of the game are defined by those who hold
power:
“the danger is that it’s the existing
power
33
Towards
structures talking
about how they manage plural-
ism” [Judd, deb.]. Furthermore,
gests an instrumental
and the possibility
of reducing
set of human relations
which
according
from
a coincidence
demographic
unique
of
factors,
evolutionary
outside
We
against any impulse toward
or prevent
“social
effort
climate
of
engineering”
cultural
pluralism”
the emergence
which
would
effective
and
standing
guard
as
action would not
the most appropriate
to encourage
more
a
to create, sustain
a business or a company
manages
and
of
[Nababsing, deb.]. Given these
diversity”
be “management
political
therefore
“States do not have the capacity
conditions,
The
and are not open to
should
(as one
of multiculturalism,
be multiplied.
and flexibility
the imposition
auto-regulatory
“To try to develop
times is better
passions
under-
of the rights
of all
and diversity
action
and initiating
in
policy.
deb.]. State
and the resultant
to the double
on which
recrimi-
aspirations
pluralism
to unity
is founded,
rituals
to resolve intercultural
the absence of State structures in countries
given to anarchy
or banditry shows that it can still
play an irreplaceable
law and bringing
role in enforcing
people
together.
has the capacity
the rule of
“It is only the
to construct, to pre-
with integration
into the national
recognition
national
identity
individual
around a common
communities
important
days, national
moments
and
Behind
all the grandiloquent
embody
is most pronounced
at the
cumstance,
Yugoslavia,
of the
mon culture
some areas of Africa, etc.) are
of a nation,
or works of art which
speeches and apparently
Soviet Union,
set of
flags, anthems,
figures
where
portions
of
holidays which recall
in the life
And the areas of the world
violence
of a
respect for historical
and, if need be, to enforce a mul-
times (former
to the emergence
and which allow the federation
ticultural
reality.
rights of each commu-
ideas. Such is the role of national
commemoration
of that com-
not to neglect the symbols and
contribute
which
State
of each
whole. In parallel with the
of the cultural
serve, to protect
former
someunleash
so as not to fan the flames of
conflict
nity, it is important
being too weak or ineffective
present
could
against the State.
To respond
While it is true that the State often reveals itself as
multicultural
policy
should avoid being too rigid
or too heavy-handed
munity
in the construction
the State has the greatest leverage
promoting
State which
[Nababsing,
tension”
therefore,
individual community
conflict,
do its work.
mechanism
any clearly defined
action must balance respect for the identity
Of all the parties engaged
of pluralism,
and lets
and render
communities.
arbitration,
of solutions
in the sense that it doesn’t
and
intervention,
nations
nurture
should nec-
cases, discretion
do more harm (...), the absence of a policy
inter-community
intercultural
In certain
of State action can be more effective,
as it avoids
society’s
role in the
that does not mean
that the instances of State intervention
essarily
stock), but an
facilitate,
enti-
or even all but vanished”
the State plays a central
promotion
of a propitious
durable
and the recognition
ties have greatly weakened
Though
results
are the result
pattern
influence.
society
historical,
which
the areas where States as organized
(Young, deb.].
to the will of
politicians.
of each individual
Pluralism
subtle,
a complex,
a few more or less well-intentioned
diversity
relations
to the status of an object
can be manipulated
cultural
sug-
this metaphor
use of intercultural
precisely
A Constructive
its genius.
superfluous pomp and cir-
lies the need to create a minimum
and a sense of belonging
above that of the micro-community.
com-
on a level
From this point
34
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
of view,
one
dichotomy
between
structing
national
of the
identity
overcoming
diversity
might
and con-
to events or occasions
with
communities
the
minority
for example):
participation
cultural
initially
of
minority
of other communities
a particle
being
show at least an effort
participates
different
national
symbolism,
cultures
cultural
in
in one
and
features
of itself.
guarantee
being
of indi-
every
level
by
by applying
This is achieved
character of society and
in the constitu-
action
interests,
to violence.
the case in situations
the principle
all confusion
between
of secularism which avoids
religion
State, in a multi-religious
and politics.
action is meaningful
as the State religion,
which different
communities
are represented
within
public institutions
(the civil service, the police,
army, the judiciary,
the political
create such a democratic
place machinery
distinctiveness
structures,
context
entails putting
to enable minorities
and specific
the
etc.). To
in
to make their
needs
apparent.
The
State can make its mark in this area by choosing
an
electoral
of
system which preserves the equilibrium
society and stops any group from feeling
In this field,
it is impossible
to lay down
rules: it is up to each country
electoral
system most appropriate
to its particular
representation
rent in some countries,
direct
referendums
model cur-
democracy
in Switzerland,
tem of “best losers” which, in Mauritius,
the selection
from
those
of additional
communities
sented in Parliament
u priori
to adopt the type of
needs. The proportional
use of popular
excluded.
representatives
which
it is bound to affect the unity
of the nation
and conflicts”
[Dubey]. The necessity for impartial-
ity
must
extend
accountability
tions.
“It
to
rigour,
is essential
that
served by people of capability
exercise of power
clear-cut
reproach
that
and
of public institu-
these institutions
and integrity,
their
are
that the
is regulated
actions
by
are above
and that any breach of impartiality
is sub-
jected to the strictest censure and the most rigorous
sanction”
[Parekh]. This requirement
public life, in the current context,
tic obsession
of an ethic in
is less a moralis-
with the shady dealings
of the State
and more a desire to preserve intercultural
ble by the guarantee
- all these are systems which,
transparency
by these people
guidelines,
the sys-
chosen
and lead to instability
in the management
rium. Such an equilibrium
are underrepre-
of the majority
and cohesion
and the
allows for
“lf the
society, gives up secular-
tive and constitutional
is paid to the real degree to
where religious
quarrels and preserve its role as
ism and tries to adopt the religion
attention
This
and arbiter is to observe a strict neutrality,
laws of a State. This legisla-
in practice
as
the State
in the eyes of other communi-
tion and fundamental
only if
rests on the
When it is perceived
of particular
stay out of religious
mediator
the rights and duties of minorities
very
exists: the only way that the State can
at
life.
of State
ties who are in danger of resorting
is particularly
the integration
of national
as possible within
contexts.
loses all legitimacy
cultures requires that they be represented
the multicultural
or negative,
to ensure that every com-
of its impartiality.
the agent
vidual
enshrining
positive
as fully
The credibility
pluralism
Beyond
intrinsically
munity
con-
by society as a whole,
in another, to see in the distinctive
without
(major reli-
in a multicultural
life allows each community,
sense, to feel recognized
the
be to accord a
dimension
associated
national
of
encouraging
a national
gious festivals,
text,
means
is effectively
equilib-
made possi-
given to all communities
they will be treated equally, and is disturbed
that
by par-
tisan decisions made in the name of a theoretically
neutral
State.
35
I
Towards
Another
key role of the State is to fight against
all forms
of cultural
outright
manifestations
where
the
exclusion,
exercise
of
of
whether
multicultural
of a flexible
tion of pluralism.
impeded.
This requires an active policy
community
and
in cross-
sometimes
with
multiple
Pluralism
the degree of develop-
with
regard to the construc-
In particular,
judged by its capacity
is
of vigilance
or verbal violence
also
cases
identity
with regard to physical
relations
ment of State action
or
citizenship
on the principle
to evaluate
these are
intolerance
founded
as benchmarks
A Constructive
such action
for encouraging
and overcoming
belonging
a sense of
a narrow vision
based on ethnic identity
of nationality
can be
or some sup-
posed blood right (which, in contrast to a birthright,
is based on a biological
concept of nationality).
The
regard to the actions of the State itself. The State is,
mismatch
in effect, the main agent in the construction
of plu-
nature
of contemporary
if it does not have the
action
by the State, buttressed by a mono-cultural
ralism and its main obstacle;
capacity
to reform
democracy
lution.
itself
[which
the practice
of
allows), it can impede the necessary evo-
On the positive
side, some countries
have anti-discriminatory
concept
between
the increasingly
of national
inter-community
laws for the protection
of
Effective
action
requires
the
treatment
linked
Without
a deliberate
prosecution
implies
of expression
minimal
sex or sexuality.
exists which allows for the
of anyone stirring
a judicial
framework
up racial hatred. This
within
which
freedom
and freedom of the press have to meet
ethical standards.
privileged
of minorities,
is often
between
which
debates revolve
the liveliest
grant communities,
trast
the
stresses
American
the
policy
and particularly
in the developed
made,
somewhat
adoption
for
all. Ideally, a constructive
of
model
which
pluralism
in India
to which
and
given to immigrant
A con-
and the
values by
rights on
of full citizenship
same ease as others. If a theory
serves to justify
does not have to
populations
of
on
and the
can serve
(in terms of economic
integrating
the existence
United
by a recognition
which
from
the
as
of
into
favours the
the other. In any case, policy on nationality
communities
they
action,
postulation
minorities
these models, rather it can take the
the one hand and the granting
between
underto repro-
Affirmative
ties or access to education)
communities
best points of each - respect for cultural
reception
of exclusion
for the
model
of a single set of “republican”
choose between
in their favour,
subjected.
example
disparities
exclusion
determination.
would be condemned
duce the same pattern
practised
true
initial
simplistically,
“communitarist”
cohabitation
“assimilationist”
policy
minorities
cultural
show
around
immi-
world.
constituted according to cultural affinity
French
against
to
States, aims to replace the abstract
to define the most suitable
attempts
integration
State
had been hitherto
equality
However,
aggravate
and conflict.
already
at least in theory, against any prejudicial
to race, religion,
can only
frustration
minorities,
In some cases, legislation
and overcautious
societies
identity,
cosmopolitan
opportuni-
prevent
society
certain
with
the
of equality
merely
of inequalities
in real
life, then the role of the State lies in establishing
true equality
minorities
by encouraging
the appointment
to certain jobs or certain
institutions,
least for a time, by means of a policy
reserved
aging
places. Sometimes
incompetence
and
affirmative
accepted.
of quotas or
as encour-
fostering
resentment
is far
by its applicafrom
universally
It at least has the merit of stressing that
State intervention
correcting
action
at
denounced
among those who feel disadvantaged
tion,
of
can play a determining
imbalances
which
impede
role in
the construc-
36
--Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
tion of pluralism.
can succeed only if it does
This development
To achieve this goal, the enact-
ment of a social policy in favour of disadvantaged
not challenge
groups
and does not lead to the construction
is even more effective
than the policy
quotas.
General
political
action to benefit
principal
means at the State’s disposal for influenc-
ing favourably
preventing
socio-economic
and
the poorest in society are
the construction
poverty
becoming
measures
of
and
of pluralism
and
marginalization
from
the basis for revolt, where economic
tors become identified
with cultural
fac-
entities functioning
democratic
solution
to act on the part of the
to involve
as far as possible, in the decision-mak-
minorities,
ing process, above all regarding
those issues which
most directly concern them. The consultative
those minorities
may be institutionalized
bodies exist which
resentative
pressure
from
authority.
governmental
role of
when rep-
are not subject to
where an excessive concentration
in isolation
processes.
strong not to fear delegating
and minority
In
In other
reconcile
words,
the authority
cerns are not neglected
problem
of pluralism,
are sometimes
as the only way to affirm
framework
within
which
The modalities
it con-
federations”
[Mazrui,
deb.] which would not seek to impose the same sys-
discem-
populations
or linguistic
minori-
accept distinctive
on
very
of regions and
would then be left to
manage their own affairs and establish the forms of
the most suitable for themselves,
systems in some of them, based
cultural
marked
features
Quebec, for example). At an international
creation
of broad federations
munity
of the State to
on all regions and which would
strongly
life. In this context,
in favour
Perhaps one can envisage the
tem of government
of conflicts
which
can
of this federalism vary according
of creating “asymmetric
tries on a regional
groups
all forms of diversity
feel accommodated.
ment may lead to a de fucto exclusion from national
give up part of its power
and
has failed and that it is unable to create a flexible
ties whose distance from the seat of central govern-
population
If secession appears to
cases
is bound up with the
the readiness
to
and federalism
in that peripheral
ethnic, religious
of sepa-
it rests on the ability
that such con-
or treated without
ment. The issue of federalism
is sufficiently
of the State with the expres-
certain communities
utility
of decentralization
a
recover their rights, then this is a sign that the State
to individual context.
or margins of the territory
of
is not
part of its authority
sion of cultural distinctness.
of power progres-
a means of ensuring
then,
are sufficiently respon-
groups which
sively cuts the State off from the concerns expressed
may represent
of regional
and in contempt
Federalism,
a State which
at the periphery
trols, the options
of the State
that could be adapted to suit every coun-
try. It presupposes
ratism.
This determination
integrity
sible not to give way to the temptation
ones.
State is also expressed in the attempt
the territorial
level, the
several coun-
basis could allow the resolution
which, in these countries, pit one com-
against another.
light pointed
with
Some analysts have in this
out the positive
result from a federation
Burundi
linking
(in
Tanzania,
effects
grouping
which would
Rwanda
in order to transcend
and
the
the Hutus and the Tutsis in
can
antagonism
be a means of appeasing rancour and fostering
the
the first two countries [Mazrui, deb.]. By being inte-
re-integration
the
grated into a larger unit, by becoming
cooperation
national
fabric.
of
these
populations
into
of a plural
between
society,
these communities
cover new opportunities
components
might
dis-
and would no longer be in
31
I
Towards
a situation
of perpetual
vents old wounds
pluralism,
confrontation
which
pre-
from healing. The construction
learning
from the lessons of the past, can
lead to the discovery
paths for conflict
of
of new solutions
resolution.
on a redefinition
of
However,
the
and new
these depend
geopolitical
which remains, for the moment,
A Constructive
selves to combat intolerance,
through
community
individuals
Pluralism
through
local councils,
and inter-community
groups,
face up to their responsibilities
and stop
the State for all the difficulties associated
blaming
of cultures.
with the cohabitation
landscape
purely hypothetical.
In this context,
no form of action
is superflu-
ous, as the State and civil organizations
each according
THE ACTION OF CIVIL SOCIETY AND
mentary
1NTERNATlONAL
ist edifice.
ACTION
fashion,
[Fitzduff]
lmportant
as it may be, State action has its limita-
tions which
make the participation
zations
governed
different
logic
by different
indispensable.
tures) have the capacity
of civil organi-
rules and driven by a
“Many
(civic
struc-
to act more radically
and
with more speed to address issues of pluralism
than
many
state
bodies
that
are often
and
politics
alike”
bureaucracy
weight
tance
and slowness of the State apparatus,
from
encounter
the concrete
in everyday
by
hampered
[Fitzduffl.
problems
which
life and electoral
The
efficacy
towards
understanding
down”
coming
cannot
decision-making.
result
solely
organizations
to “a growing
which
initia-
sense of citizenship”
because they are formulated
by indibe dictated
by the State, still less by market forces and consumer values
in a situation
seems to have lost control.
evaluate what
design
at the intermediate
needs
a strategy;
to be done and
at the local
level,
decided upon are put into practice
which
allows
where the State itself
By organizing
them-
level,
of the State and of civil society
the
corresponds
together
the options
in consultation
groups. Such coop-
to implement
a policy
to the needs expressed
by civil
society and permits the latter to benefit from State
support in realizing
is essential
its projects. At the same time, it
that each party keeps its autonomy,
too close a connection
between
and the independence
it is wise, therefore,
to the nature
or ethno-cultural
associa-
of the State
of these associations.
to remain prudent
of this cooperation
where it concerns the payment
While
with regard
- particularly
of subsidies to some
or other association
- this should not prevent
State from selecting
and supporting,
necessary,
specific
projects
as
the State and, for
tions, can damage both the neutrality
“top-
representative
who refuse to let their conduct
resources;
the representatives
from
in civil society. These “citizens’
tives” contribute
[Mitterrand]
and from
icy and allots
example, certain religious
It also demands initiatives
involved
roles adapted to the various stages of construction:
State
with
of
at the highest level, the State defines a general pol-
population
the
diversity”
an attribution
intercultural
from the sectors of the population
are themselves
viduals
of pluralism.
from
eration
aside, the very
to
between all inter-
cooperation
originating
with the concerned
considera-
nature of State action explains its insufficiency
regard to the construction
requires
ested parties,
of the plural-
approach
people
the State and inhibit
of its actions. These failures
“organic
contribute,
and in comple-
to the construction
This
its dis-
tions which colour certain decisions, all feed a feeling of distrust
to its capabilities
the
financially
emanating
society and destined to reduce intercultural
from
if
civil
tension.
38
I
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
Among
the interested
parties
some play a preponderant
constructive
pluralism:
tal organizations,
and academia
tribute
according
strengths
and weaknesses
national
and utility.
remains
a strong
promotion
In countries
motive
of
ing the possibility
unions
bodies
the supfor the
understanding.
allies, without
neglect-
a more rapid result
at
be offset
by
the
is well placed to analyse
valid
long-term
(which many non-governmental
solutions
in certain
accompanied
media (newspapers,
Western
cultural identity,
of the real needs
of the population
or by the
oversimplification]
carry moral authority
while
which,
conflicts
“particularistic
media complement
sensitive
national
[Dayan].
public
Thus, they
of “micro
society
However,
to the existence
independently
aganda capable of exacerbating
each
and infiltra-
stereotypical
promote
between
minority
groups in a
way and that of the micro-media
a sense of citizenship
ity contribute
by the general
media. The undertaking
public which is conscious
in a section
of its cultural
symmetrically
to
of the
individual-
to the construction
of
pluralism.
The role of non-governmental
the
settling
role in
every
allows
problems.
resentments
from the
sphere, as the two influence
the majority
and alerting
of intercultural
con-
public spheres”
other via a subtle process of exchange
before
they can act also as instruments
of
tion of values and opinions
public opinion
makes them a vital tool for informing
media:
the role of insti-
of intercultural
organizations
conflicts
underestimated. These organizations
The media play a particularly
their
in charge of the custody and transmission
which cannot be considered
can be
[Fitzduffl.
this sphere. Their ability to mobilize
affirm
with
though
used to defend partisan interests,
used to settle intercultural
links
account by the wider
and minority
understood by academics
media, which tend towards
maintain
media to avoid representing
on the ground and their
radio and television
of origin and express the concerns which
are not taken into
tutions
has been
of particularistic
which minorities
non-
knowledge of the situation
regime
they can be
countries
magazines,
stations, web sites) through
their
in
well-organized
by a multiplication
conditions),
bring to the table their
the churches
diasporas
of increasingly
can-
organizations
sometimes
hand, the presence
organizations
not do as they work in emergency
Collines
to be used as a vehicle of hate. On the other
twisted
and memory”
of their complemen-
Mille
given the use to which the
of the way in which
to the emergence
and propose
little
of the century,
filiation
by virtue
Radio
on the
media have been put to by every totalitarian
tribute
tary roles. Thus, academia
(often
are a reminder,
and
moreover
evaluation
by the sinister
airwaves
countries
might
The calls to murder launched
support. The weaknesses of one of
can
governmental
religion
or the media
of another
situations
where
its
of using all forms of leverage
the same time to obtain
strengths
accord-
determine
be the priority
prove to be more powerful
these
and spe-
force, obtaining
inter-community
the trade
more widespread
the trade
which,
context,
port of the churches would
Elsewhere,
business,
communities.
Rwanda
Each of these bodies possesses its
ing to the particular
influence
of a
can all be called on to con-
to their area of expertise
cific capabilities.
particular
role in the creation
the media, non-governmen-
the church,
unions
in civil society,
of propwithin
phase in the evolution
they
break
out,
development
in
of these conflicts:
because
their
groups in question;
of the conflict,
be
are involved
them to listen to the frustrations
by the population
cannot
in
proximity
expressed
during
the
because their neutral-
ity allows them to assume a mediatory
role which
cannot be taken on by the State which is identified
framed. Direct bilateral
with the interests
the organization
of a single group;
after the con-
or multilateral
of regional
flict, because they are often the only ones remain-
ings dealing with specific intercultural
ing on the ground when all other parties have been
also help to unblock situations
eliminated
ently reached an impasse.
or driven out. With flexible
their disposal and by remaining
populations,
at
However,
One of the reasons for their success
is their ability to take specialized
forms of action in
and this presupposes
contexts,
tence of a number
the exis-
capable of
of possible strategies,
being used simultaneously
or successively,
the nature of the problem
in question:
as befits
“the strug-
gle to achieve the rule of law requires the introduction
of polymorphous
effective,
NGOs
strategies.
specialize
values
[Niyonzima].
of
This
NGOs, considered
in
defending
the population
of
collectively,
resources
to put forward
solu-
tions adapted to each type of problem, whether
entails educating
the population,
ing assistance to minorities
exclusion or participating
war-damaged
conciliation,
that
lend-
who are the victims
in the reconstruction
whether
Neither
of
of
countries.
the international
oppressing
to tackle a number
of intercul-
tural problems whose scope lies beyond the national
framework.
Concerted
organs of civil society
ferent
countries
community
or when
tional
(principally
NGOs] from dif-
becomes imperative
when
inter-
conflicts
concern several States at once
the support
and backing of the interna-
community
policies in favour
izations
by several States or
action
are required
of pluralism.
are then the principal
gies designed to encourage
to resolve cultural differences
for the success of
lnternational
forum
organ-
issue of
sanc-
backed by
in countries
which are
or practising
“ethnic
cannot be avoided. On this controversial
to choose between the right to
(in the name of universal
rights)
international
safeguard
as well
is
in the domestic
a powerful
to avoid
mobilization
a minimum
of
of realpolitik,
against interference
of a country, especially
it
enforcement
and the constraints
which cautions
which
the
to impose economic
minorities
it is difficult
interfere
fail and when
armed intervention
community
their
cleansing”
one with
confrontation.
and the determination
to
even by force
standard,
of
arms, in grave cases of human rights violations,
important
instruments
conflicts.
merely
State action nor that of civil society is
however,
have appar-
are required,
it is legitimate
Certainly,
a pretext
admissible
sufficient,
problems can
which
such measures
ones
tions or even support
affairs
allows
when
stringent
human
in the
coexistence”
peaceful
diversity
more
point,
to be
In order
either
human rights or in educating
universal
and meet-
in contact with local
NGOs have a special place in multicul-
tural contexts.
particular
structures
negotiations,
conferences
in
resolving
human
rights
for military
are sometimes
operations
aims, such as furthering
of
one
are
intercultural
with
less
the political
commercial
interests
Nevertheless,
even if it is still indispensable
nation
or
or another.
to define
the precise terms, conditions
and limits of its appli-
cation,
reflects
the right to interfere
at an international
certain
level, of the intolerable
discriminatory
deterrent
a recognition,
to discourage
practices.
criminal
nature of
It can act as a
inclinations
and
can serve, too, as a reminder
that not everything
is
permissible
exists
-
and that
there
a last resort
force - when certain boundaries are crossed.
where strate-
cultural pluralism
between
and
States are
For all that, coercion is not the only nor yet the
principal
form
taken by international
action.
The
40
I
Towards
A Constructive
latter
Pluralism
must also seek to establish
ures which
act on the roots
preventive
meas-
of intercultural
con-
flicts, before these break out. In this scenario,
essential
simply
observing
keeping
explosion
which
situations
turning
violence.
as they
a constant
societies,
of frustrations
in
and organized
are man-
of apparent
calm,
above all just after the cessation of conflicts
which
it has not been possible to avoid.
This ambitious
number
any outbreak of hostilities
early warning
of these mechanisms
deployment
watching
over and analysing
relations
(particularly
in certain frontier
compromise
between
a “sustainable pluralism”.
solutions,
the different
examine
those practices
of control
with
lnternational
struction
which
capable, in the light of
of suggesting
negotiation
action
of pluralism
would
of
from
may serve as an example
to
one could high-
States, institutions
to tackle the inter-
with which they have been faced.
ingredients
which make up the
of each individual society rule out the posof models and solutions
country
which are transpos-
to
another.
policies
to
find
One
can
have already
which
equivalences
be valid in a given situation
repeating
that
and to avoid
errors. Finally, as a preliminary
to any new
it would be desirable to list those institu-
project,
favour
differ
already
working,
in one way or another,
of a constructive
them together
in a network
pluralism,
in
in order to link
and build up a database
it is up to the
which could give rise to ideas for collaboration
a code of con-
concerted
and
action.
of intercultural
means
to be used when dealing
broken
can thus influence
within
conflicts
diversity
sibility
tions
ten-
the situation
norms, procedures,
have
practices
courageous and novel solutions
elsewhere
to define
to
the world and promote
of certain
been tried
of
lowering
designed
leaders who have been able to conceive
regions). This surveil-
management
and sanctions
countries
the experience
and political
examine
fostering
by establishing
which
one
In this context,
duct for the political
relations,
intercultural
able from
communities,
community
how
nevertheless
sion and, at the very least, preventing
international
actions,
by a
One could, for example
place to place throughout
regions
has to be backed up by the
diplomacy
from deteriorating.
by the
the development
precise knowledge of each situation,
are
it is
and analyse what has been tried
The culture-specific
the task of
in the most sensitive
lance and anticipation
of more short-term
cultural
The establishment
charged with
intercultural
use of preventive
to prevent
might be accompanied
of observers
sys-
by means of intelligence-
in the at-risk countries.
gathering
can be preceded
project
other parts of the globe. Similarly,
tems need to be put in place, destined
relations
are treated,
human nature itself which is really in question.
light
To meet this requirement,
intercultural
and the way minorities
alone:
and what has worked regarding the construction
attentive
relations
in times
the way in which
handled
take an inventory
an outbreak of uncontrollable
into
It is necessary to be particularly
of State governments
This
the accumulation
to the way in which intercultural
aged
develop.
from
eye on the risks of
exist in multicultural
order to prevent
from
stance instead of
to adopt a “pro-active”
requires
it is
be left to the discretion
this
EDUCATION
FOR PLURALISM
code.
the con-
any given country. This
means that what is at stake here is too important
to
To devote oneself to the construction
to conceive
that it is possible
people think and to promote
of pluralism
is
to change the way
a better
understand-
41
II
Towards
ing of otherness and difference.
action and the adoption
measures contribute
tural
relations,
powerless
to modify
relations
influence
cultures.
cultures
for themselves
itudes,
such as urging
of other people
the persistence
the space within
which inter-
take place, but do not pretend
This “structural
will therefore
have to be supplemented
chocultural
approach”
account
[Fitzduff]
psychological
fantasies)
traits
It is by allowing
which condicom-
themselves,
overcome
these
misunderstandings
a new attitude
sary to plan for a mental
supposes educational
of getting
it is neces-
shift which
in turn pre-
action.
This approach
and acting on
the deep-seated
causes of intercultural
of pluralism
for pluralism”
which
can be prornoted,
ously, by the State, the interested
society
and international
for pluralism
educational
organs.
is conducted
important
education
or the home, through
threat.
in putting
method
cultural
but
ways
across a
and cultures.
This
can take place in the workplace
all forms of artistic
sion, in the media, advertising,
when
the traditional
in less formal
image of other peoples
Whatever
variin civil
channels (schools and universities),
which are particularly
informal
parties
Such education
through
it can also be implemented
positive
conflicts.
first requires “educa-
is used, the objective
diversity
expres-
museums and so on.
is obtained
ceases to be viewed
as a
themselves
requires
as
can best be encouraged.
“outlook
teaching”
[Dibie,
deb.] which reveals how members of other cultures
similarities
groups.
between
religious
Differences
however,
from us. Emphasis can
should
and no attempt
to affirm
which,
to mutual
comprehension
It is perfectly
This outlook
down,
possible
of those differemphasizing
in each tradition,
the
are conducive
and respect.
teaching
to impose an opinion
and ethnic
should be made to dilute
the reality
principles
bring out
traditions
at the same time
avoids
any temptation
on others. It is about putting
one’s own habits of thought
to see the world
which
not be played
them in a bland consensus.
This alone is capable
The construction
tion
and
to otherness,
to the root of the problem
them to devote
that pluralism
ences, while
To
plat-
to the cause of peace or to love their neighbours
to continue
and individuals.
encourage
other
thus be placed on shared features
between
- of other
people to discover
both resemble us and differ
into
at encouraging
rather than by voicing
approach”
resentment,
and the mental stereotypes
arising
to
is aimed
by a “psytaking
(distrust,
tion the misunderstandings
munities
of
fear. In short, these meas-
the individual.
action
Pluralism
- and hence understanding
of intercul-
the perception
and irrational
Educational
knowledge
are, in themselves,
or to overcome
ures strive to organize
cultural
and coercive
to the regulation
these measures
by the individual
prejudice
But while legislative
of preventive
A Constructive
through
on hold and learning
the eyes of others, find-
ing in the process that, strange as it may seem, the
alternative
vision
is not
necessarily
absurd
and
even possesses a logic of its own. With this objective in mind, “experimental
to/king-points”
could be organized,
whereby
ideas,
and
curiosities
one would
[Droit]
“taste”
motivations
of
the
others.
Acquiring
knowledge
of others is not here a matter
of cold,
intellectual
analysis,
receptiveness
to
the
viewpoint
but
an emotional
of
others:
hermeneutic
problem
problem
intellectual
comprehension
The question
of determining
of
affectivity.
extent
first
individuals
requires
namely:
an
of interculturality
want to understand
answer
at the affective
to
“the
is less a
than
of
to what
one another
another
question,
level of their
existential
feelings,
are individuals
inclined
to
openness?”
[Brandner].
This knowledge of others is the surest means of
deconstructing
stereotypes
false representations,
associated
between different
this, communication
ties at work,
at play, through
and at neighbourhood
Working
together,
and
prejudices
with each group. To achieve
communi-
the voluntary
and debating
emotions
openly
build a day-to-day level of interculturality
which
can prove more fertile
pluralism
bers of other
openness towards
cultures cannot,
the most ingrained
however,
tradition
of
mem-
lslam
media).
each cultural
phases of its development
what
each community
tributed to the intellectual
to the national
and spiritual
heritage
is portrayed,
media, particularly
them
tional
stereotypes
concerning
has conhistory
of
and to the cre-
by certain
should give people an opportu-
nity to listen to the music, appreciate
read the texts, both classical
communities,
created in the country
the arts and
and modern,
whether
of the
these works
were
of origin or in the host coun-
books or in administrative
The effort
to overcome
intercultural
and to identify
the contentious
issues that
communities
with
the
and to situate these
cultural landscape.
By presenting
in their authenticity
and continu-
cultural traditions
ity, by emphasizing
have
divided communities
in the course of history. Words
unspoken,
silences, hidden fears can only
complicit
delay or undermine
conflicts,
the resolution
of intercultural
as they leave to fester
in the darkness
the best of what they have pro-
implies an explo-
ration
of the past, an exacting
truth
search for historical
and a duty of remembrance
in regard
crimes that may have been committed.
masking
their
disagreements
become reconciled,
that
communities
responsibility
of the past and undertaking
their legacy, and, on the other, working
mourning
process. This necessitates
conjunction
to
It is not by
but by lancing the abscess and,
mistakes
in the national
prejudices
leads us to ask why these prejudices have grown up
aim is to familiarize
other
should be sup-
practice
deb.].
on the one hand, accepting
forms of expression
NGOs to seek
in the press, in school text-
try, and to distribute them as widely as possible. The
minority’s
from
and slurs against such
distortions
and such a community
Education for pluralism therefore
minority
encourage
deb.]. To further this educa-
[Nizami,
[Mazrui,
of
thoughts or feelings which feed mutual suspicion.
ation of the living present.
This approach
in the general
culture and civilization
process, initiatives
ported
by the
the representation
And one should strongly
to dissociate
local events”
at present,
in
needs to be a sustained
“There
to undo negative
effort
apparent
get rid of
much larger in
aims at understanding
in the different
and to emphasize
humanity,
the way
Western
prejudices. It is also necessary to
envisage an educational programme
scope which
is particularly
out and denounce
in the nurturing
than many other forms of more sophisti-
cated action. This intuitive
way has more chances to
other cultures.
sector
level must be encouraged.
sharing
tions in an oversimplified
be avoided (this tendency
to correct
through
the
the paradoxical
of a very clear recollection
ferings and a need to move forward
for the
of past suf-
by letting go of
duced and that which they can contribute to the
the obsessions of the past. It is not so much a mat-
future, by recalling
ter of a desire to forget, but rather a desire to build
through
the interpenetration
the ages and the mutual
unite them still, the tendency
of cultures
influences
which
to view these tradi-
a future
and forge bonds, in some cases, with the
enemies of yesterday:
“if we stick to remembering
.
Towards
what wrong
be
able
we did one to the other, we will never
to
intercultural
live
sary acceptance
and
alike.
Particular
of intercultural
have
participated
crimes. A truncated
which results from an inability
nize themselves as belonging
truth, by victim
culture
cases, the role
in acts
must
the history
relations
sented in the media and schoolbooks
which
of identity
and denial-based
history
of educational
country.
action
people with the interrupted
reconstructing
In such
consists
these chaotic identities
in
narrative,
and rehabili-
tating the diverse cultures of which they are part, so
of countries
of violence
to recog-
either to their parents’
or to that of their adopted
reconnecting
are pre-
Pluralism
suburbs) is linked to this vacuity
French dormitory
attention
be paid to the way in which
and development
deb.].
[Vassiliou,
is achieved by the neces-
of an often painful
tormentor
therefore
together”
reconciliation
A Constructive
or
is full
as to re-create
a sense of belonging
nity and to the nation
to the commu-
as a whole.
of menace for the future in that it reveals an inability to overcome
persistence
the traumas
of
rancour
of the past, with
perhaps
leading
to
the
National
new
role in exposing
conflict.
The weight
construction
of this historical
of pluralism
place occupied
closely
linked,
nation
acquires
destiny.
identity.
important,
respond
narrative
Nation
an awareness
in the forma-
and narration
for it is through
Similarly,
in the
results in part from the
by historical
tion of cultural
background
narrative
of itself
on an individual
a
and of its
level, “it is very
when someone asks you who you are, to
with
some sort
of story”
because this is an enunciation
self-image
deb.]
of one’s real or ideal
and a way to define
oneself
to others. The role of education
struct this narrative
[Dayan,
in relation
is to help recon-
link, whenever
it is threatened
or broken. For it is precisely this link which is missing in those
been victims
acculturated populations
of forced
urbanization,
and
communities
which
themselves
to their
displacement
also
among
multiple
have
damaged
identities.
for pupils or stu-
dents from minority
because they are
communities,
for passing on the standards and knowl-
responsible
edge by which national
elites
- despite
identity
a parallel
- the principal
is defined
tendency
vectors
of social
However,
their often
monolithic
uniformity
of their
programmes
not predispose
them to tailor
do
to the spe-
The success of
the integra-
rests, above all, on due acknowl-
of the inequalities
impede access to education
of circumstance
cult (for economic,
which
by certain marginalized
groups or make the school environment
immigrant
and the
and curricula
solutions
policy aimed at fostering
tion of minorities
edgement
mobility.
character
cific educational needs of minorities.
an education
and they
to reproduce
linguistic
more diffi-
or other reasons) for
children.
or over-rapid
some
have difficulty
who have “lost the thread”
who
systems can play a leading
and salving
They are the motors of integration
remain
are
that
education
immigrant
in reconciling
cultural
attachments,
of their own history and
lntegration
will
solely
as a mirror
treats
manifestations
indifference
also fail if the school
of the dominant
of
or contempt.
cultures with
In the context
are not really sure of who they are, or to which cul-
struction
fore will have to be more open to the diversity
people
first-generation
the cultures present in a given society. It will have
(notably
to accord them a place in study programmes
immigrants
are the children
in Western
of
countries
in the
the education
of the con-
ture they belong. The malaise of a number of young
who
of pluralism,
minority
is seen
culture which
system thereof
(par-
44
I
~~
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
titularly
in the teaching
of languages),
the role played by these cul-
same time emphasizing
tures in the history
contribution
while at the
of ideas and recognizing
of ethnic
minorities
in every field of knowledge.
populations
fact that it enriches the educational
such an approach
sense of identity
fosters
the
and immigrant
Besides the
process itself,
the construction
among youngsters
of a
from minority
one could begin by evaluating
results of experiments
field in various
parts of the world.
ments
concerning
times
combining
sometimes
mother
a diversified
several
bilingual
tongue
(when
guage) are worthy
solely from the strictly
determine
multiple
identity.
In parallel,
it helps to lend credi-
bility to the desire of the school system for integration,
particularly
henceforth
in the eyes of minorities
who
have an assurance that their specific cul-
tural needs will be addressed.
may be asked, however,
consequences
tity of minority
individuality
and the transmission
consciousness.
foster
of community
Does not the assumption
role risk compromising
the capacity
the integration
lannot
point of view (to
or learning
in
pat-
of their social
in building
up the iden-
groups, the capability
of society to
and the strengthening
its minorities
(or
unity.
of such a
In concrete
terms, is the unity of the nation best brought
Without
about
forth
to
promote
supporting
system, it is possible hence-
“education
for
pluralism”
by
of curricula and syllabuses
the reform
and by redefining
ferent
the very founda-
calling into question
tions of the education
of the school to
of minorities?
the
whether
role should really be to foster cultural
the school’s
educational
terns), but also from the perspective
erosion) of national
The question
using
it is not the national
terms of pupils’ levels of acquisition
integrate
education,
of
sometimes
advantages and disadvantages
the
and political
some-
of study. They are important
ture better and to internalize
of their
the
These experi-
education,
types
and
groups, as it enables them to know their own culthe concept
and comparing
which have been tried in this
the scope and content
subjects taught.
The
latter
of the dif-
should take
by choosing a single system of education appropri-
greater account
ate to all or by allowing
the need to establish links and paths of communi-
eral
programmes
Should
the establishment
of sev-
adapted to different
the education
system favour
guage (which acts as a bridge linking
groups?
environment,
lated or adapted to respond
all communi-
Some, however,
pupils,
to allow, where the need arises, other
and in consequence,
demands
of education?
which has a majority
favour
suited
For example,
of Spanish to communicate
ghettoization
better
with
tongue
tural traditions
relations
pupils who have
a factor leading
into
structure? There are strong arguments
of each option.
The theoretical
ism, particularly
to
the
in
debate aside,
are among
them.
sociology
attention
ology implicit
deal with varied cul-
History,
in the context
of cultural
into multicultural
of an education
diversity.
an anthropological
education,
literature
should receive
which
in them is as important
*Injecting
philosophy,
and comparative
those disciplines
policy respectful
content.
more easily to an
of cultural plural-
and which are designed to establish
between
anthropology,
particular
lend themselves
those which
can be modu-
to this requirement.
of the implications
to the
in a State
or a means of integration
examination
to the
of English speakers, is the use
Spanish as their mother
national
school
to be used which are more familiar
languages
cation between them. All disciplines
a single lan-
ties] or is it better, in a multicultural
of cultures and of
of the diversity
The methodas their actual
component
especially as applied to
45
Towards
early schooling
would
and to teacher-training
reduce the type of misunder-
immeasurably
standings
programs,
about diversity
that may lead to conflict”
A Constructive
of textbooks designed to provoke reflection
lication
and research into problem-solving
ing-point
In order for these disciplines
perception,
to modify
inter-
the way they are taught
not itself be a vehicle
for ethnocentric
The quasi-systematic
sidelining
must
than considering
represent
action which is directly
cerned with the problem
cultural
(from the start-
of an analysis of best practices)
a form of educational
[Cerroni-Long].
Pluralism
of multiculturalism
this problem
within
conrather
the confines
of other disciplines.
prejudices.
of lndian
The efficacy
philoso-
of this action results from the pre-
as
cise definition
of the objectives being pursued and
they are taught in the West reduces the field of
of the target
audience.
phy or Islamic
thought
courses
and needs to be corrected by
vision of this discipline
the creation
in philosophy
of new teaching
tools allowing
parison
of themes
and outlooks
various
philosophical
traditions
a com-
characteristic
of
The educa-
[Droit].
tion system must, then, in every field encourage the
form
of education
on the way intercultural
cians, but
promoting
between
teaching
and support
of these subjects in countries
ent risks of intercultural
the
which pres-
facilitates
In parallel with this redefinition
ciplines,
the specific
lems requires
nature
a special syllabus - perhaps
autonomous discipline
and sometimes
The creation
of existing
of intercultural
- adapted
crossing
of university
disprob-
even an
to each context,
interdisciplinary
frontiers.
chairs of multicultural
studies, above all in at-risk countries,
and the pub-
also cultural
conflicts
responsible
The
for
understanding
placing
of
localized
in a larger spatial and tempo-
allows debate to become less heated and
a calmer negotiation
crisis. In this way, education
ner of political
of a way out of the
for pluralism
ushers in another
way
it at the same time
of behaving
focused on the defence of cultural
more conscious
continues
is a part-
by changing the
action for pluralism:
way other people are perceived,
thing,
develop: politi-
relations
mediators
and a better
dialogue
communities.
intercultural
ral context
conflict.
focus on
and human rights and is pri-
concepts of citizenship
use of more balanced reference books, emphasizing
traditions,
it takes the
which
marily aimed at those who possess some influence
the plurality
of cultural
In particular,
programmes
which
individuality
is less
and
of the link which, in spite of every
to unite all human beings.
Appendices
-1 ~~
AGENDA
Thursday28
janvier
Welcome and Keynote Addresses
Mr Federico Mayor, Director-General
His Excellency
First session: The Challenge
Chief Emeka Anyaoku,
of UNESCO and
Secretary-General
of Commonwealth
of Pluralism
introduction
by Professor Ali Mazrui
and Mr Rudolph Brandner
Debate
Second session: The State and a Positive Vision of Pluralism
by Professors Muchkund Dubey and Liza Cerroni-Long
introduction
Debate
Reception
held by the Commonwealth
Secretariat
and UNESCO
Friday 29th January
Third session: The Role of Civil Society in the Handling
introduction
by Professor Mari Fitzduff,
and Mr Alexandre Niyonzima
Debate
Fourth session: The Future of Pluralism
Introduction
by the Rapporteurs
Debate
Saturday
Discussion and adoption
Closure of the colloquium
--
30th January
(morning)
of the Outcomes document
of Pluralism
Mr Marco Martiniello
48
--~Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
2
LlST OF PARTlClPANTS
Professor
M. Daniel Dayan
Arjun Appadurai
Samuel N. Harper Professor
CNRS Paris, France
Department
Professeur, Universite
Director,
of Anthropology
Globalization
University
d’Oslo, Norvege
Project
M. Mario Delgado
of Chicago, USA
Mr Kofi Awoonor
Maison
des sciences de l’homme,
Faculty
of Humanities,
Paris, France
Montevideo,
Uruguay
Former Ambassador
Aide to the President
M. Pascal Dibie
of Ghana
Maitre
M. Bertrand
lnstitut
Mr Rudolph
Laboratoire
Badie
Professeur
de conferences
d’etudes politiques
de Pans, France
visuelle
et sonore
Universite
Pans Vll-Denis
Diderot.
France
Ms Sukinam Domo
Brandner
Member
Philosopher
University
d’anthropologie
du monde contemporain
des Universites
of Freiburg,
of Parliament,
Malaysia
Germany
M. Roger-PO1 Droit
Chercheur
Ms E. Liza Cerroni-Long
Professor
Eastern Michigan
Chairperson,
University,
Commission
en philosophie
CNRS, France
of Anthropology
USA
on Ethnic Relations
Ms Luminita
Drumea
Researcher at the lnterethnic
(COER)
lnvestigations
lnstitute
Academy of Sciences, Moldova
Mr Hugh Cholmondeley
Former United Nations
CARlCOM Facilitator
Official
Professor
in Guyana
Muchkund
Dubey
Senior Fellow, Nehru Memorial
President,
Researcher
Operative
Cultural
Co-ordinator
Pluralism
for Management
Stockholm
of
Council for Social Development
lndia
in Europe Project
CEIFO, Centre for Research in lnternational
Migration
Museum
Library
Dr (Ms) Janina W. Dacyl
and Ethnic Relations
University,
Sweden
Mr Reginald
Dumas
Retired Ambassador
the Trinidad
and Head of
and Tobago Public Service
and
Towards
lnitiative
Ethnicity
on Conflict
Resolution
Former Minister
and
Deputy
(INCORE)
Joint United Nations
University
- University
President
South Africa
Mme Danielle
Ms Bience Gawanas
Ombudswoman,
Mittenand
Presidente
Namibia
Danielle
France Libertes - Fondation
Mitterrand
France
Haeringer
Directeur
- United Democratic
Movement
of
Ulster initiative
M. Philippe
Pluralism
Mr Roelf Meyer
Dr (Ms) Mari Fitzduff
Director,
A Constructive
de recherche
lnstitut
Ms Vidula Nababsing
de Recherche pour le Developpement
Dean Faculty
France
of Social Studies and
Humanities
Associate Professor,
Dr Sakej Henderson
Law Professor
Director
Sociology
of Mauritius
University
of the Native Law Centre of Canada
Ms Reingard
College of Law of Saskatchewan, Canada
Nethersole
Chair of Comparative
Former Minister
British Foreign
University
of State
and Commonwealth
Former Director
Literature
and Head of
of the Witwatersrand,
South Africa
Department
Lord Frank Judd of Portsea
of Voluntary
Office and
M. Alexandre
Service
Niyonzima
Consultant,
Overseas and Oxfam, United Kingdom
Synergies Africa, Geneve, Suisse
Dr F. A. Nizami
Ms Chimene Keitner
Junior Researcher
Director,
St Antony’s
Prince of Wales Fellow
College, Oxford, United Kingdom
Magdalen
Oxford
Centre for lslamic Studies and
College, Oxford,
United Kingdom
M. Marco Martiniello
Chercheur
Maitre
qualifie
Professor
FNRS
de conferences
Faculte de Droit - Science politique
Universite
Bhikhu Parekh
Professor
of Political
Universiv
of Hull, United
Theory
Kingdom
I
de Liege, Belgique
i Ms Ruth Sando Perry
Professor
lnstitute
Albert Schweitzer
Binghamton
.- ---
Former President
Ali Mazrui
Director,
of Global Cultural Studies
Professor
University,
USA
in the Humanities
of the Republic
The Perry Center, Columbus,
of Liberia
Ohio, USA
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
Professor
Dr George Vassiliou
Ralph Premdas
Department
University
Trinidad
Professor
of Behavioural
Sciences
Former President
Member
of the West lndies
and Tobago
of the Republic
of Parliament
of Cyprus
and
Chief Negotiator
for the accession of Cyprus
to the European
Union
Nora Rameka
Sir Ronald Wilson
Maori Program Manager
University
of Waikato,
Hamilton,
New Zealand
Hon. Jai Ram Reddy CF
Leader of the Opposition
Leader of the National
Retired Judge and Former President
of
the Australian
Human Rights and Equal
Opportunities
Commission
and
Federation
Party, Fiji
Sir Paul Reeves
M. Uli Windisch
Professeur
de sociologic
et communication
Universite
de Geneve, Suisse
Former Governor-General
Visiting
M. Yves Winkin
Professor
University
of Auckland,
New Zealand
Professeur
Directeur,
Mr Rodolfo
Laboratoire
d’anthropologie
communication
Stavenhagen
Universite
Research-Professor
de Liege, Belgique
El Colegio de Mexico
Professor
Department
Dr Jayadeva Uyangoda
Senior Lecturer
University
in Political
of Colombo,
Crawford
Science
Sri Lanka
Young
of Political
Science
College of Letters and Science
University
of Wisconsin-Madison,
USA
de la
51
-I
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
3
LlST OF THE PARTlC1PANTi7WR1TTEN
WORKING
DOCUMENTS:
Brandner,
1
Rudolph:
sophical
2
Interculturality:
a phi/o-
Liza: Multiculturalism,
3
Dubey,
Muchkund:
management
4
perspectives
Mari: Strangers
challenge
of diversity
and friends:
5
Mitterrand,
6
Nababsing,
citadine
diversite
Marco:
culture//e
Etot et gestion de /a
au quotidien
concrete
of cultural
a
: quelques
diversity:
Mazrui,
Ali: Towards a constructive
7
Niyonzima,
order: four principles
a few
contemporary
9
~ 11
The role of NGOs in the
building process of a constructive
multicultural
pluralism
in
Parekh, Bhikhu:
Stavenhagen,
Rodolfo:
Ronald:
pluralism:
state: identity,
violence and territory
Particularistic
3
Droit,
diasporic
14
media and
The titles
parentheses.
to cultural
Cultural
pluralism:
rights: a social
experience
Uli: La Suisse plurilingue
: une r6alit6 culture//e
(Swiss plurilinguism
Winkin,
et
et politique
and
a specific cultural
and political
Yves: Eating topics and taking food:
conversational
rules in a multicultural
residential
organization
communications
Roger-Pol:
15
teaching
of
Young,
Crawford:
diversity
Case studies in cultural
and public policy: comparative
reflections
philosophy
l
as
reality)
The grounds of the nation-
a) Towards a pluri-cultural
compromise
Towards a constructive
the Australian
specifique
Dayan, Daniel:
on recent
societies
A commitment
pluriculturalism:
2
Reclaiming
Perry, Ruth: Towards a constructive
12 Wilson,
PAPERS:
Arjun:
Some reflections
Reingard:
pluriculturelle
Appadurai,
The limits of multi-cultural
science perspective
societies
1
Le devenir citoyen
a sense of citizenship)
Vidula:
Nethersole,
13 Windisch,
PARTICIPANTS’
to urban diversity)
Danielle:
the Liberian experience
I
~ 10 Premdas, Ralph: Public policy and ethnic conflict
plural
of reform
Alexandre:
6 /a diversite
pluralism
examples)
6
(Introduction
modus vivendi in pluralist
exemples concrets (The State and the day-today management
from a
ethnic tensions
7
Martiniello,
d’un point de vue
and universality
Introduction
policies in Mauritius?
the
and the role of civic
*
perspective)
Philippe:
(Developing
society
5
(Pluralism
Haeringer,
The state and the
of pluralism
Fitzduff,
et universalit
philosophique
4
educa-
tion and the state: anthropological
b) Pluralisme
philosophical
approach
Cerroni-Long,
CONTRlBUTlONS
are given
in the original
language
used by the author,
followed,
if necessary,
by a translation
in
52
Ic-~
~
Towards
A Constructive
Pluralism
editor:
Kat&ina
Stenou,
Director,
Division
of Cultural Pluralism,
Dave Dewnarain
synthesis:
layout:
Ewa Maruszewska
Cover:
Jean-Luc
Welnowski
(the cover illustration
printing:
The designations
employed
reproduces
the poster of the colloquium)
UNESCO
and the presentation
do not imply the expression
of any opinion
ing the legal status of any country,
ing the delimitation
UNESCO
of its frontiers
choice and the presentation
territory,
of material
whatsoever
throughout
this publication
on the part of UNESCO concern-
city or area or of its authorities, or concern-
or boundaries. The authors
of the facts contained
expressed therein, which are not necessarily
are responsible
those of UNESCO and do not commit
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