The Theory Of Recognition And Multicultural Policies In Colombia And New Zealand

Download or read book The Theory of Recognition and Multicultural Policies in Colombia and New Zealand written by Nicolas Pirsoul and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This dissertation discusses recognition as a theoretical concept and a political practice. The thesis argues that currently, theories of recognition are conflated with theories of liberal multiculturalism, according to which recognition emerges through political practices that emphasise group-differentiated rights in plural societies. The thesis argues that in many cases,however, these political practices fail to realise the normative ideals of recognition theory. The argument is supported by an analysis of policies of ethnic recognition in two different geographical, political and cultural contexts: Colombia (indigenous people and Afro-Colombians) and New Zealand (indigenous people). The policies analysed in both cases broadly relate to land rights, political representation and welfare. The shortcomings and challenges arising from the policies of recognition in both nations are underlined by showing that, despite extensive legislation aiming at the recognition of the group at stake, misrecognition persists in both cases. These issues are then related to common theoretical objections raised against “identity politics”. The thesis argues that these criticisms would be weakened if the concept of recognition remained distinct from theories of liberal multiculturalism and gave, at the policy level, an increased importance to deliberative practices.