Date: Mon, 12 May 1997 12:56:55 -0700 From: "Ms. Gitanjali Maharaj" <maharaj-AT-iafrica.com> Subject: SPOON-ANN: CfP: Multicultural Citizenship in the new SA [Spoon-Announcements is a moderated list for distributing info of wide enough interest without cross-posting. To unsub, send the message "unsubscribe spoon-announcements" to majordomo-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu] "Multicultural citizenship in the new South Africa" December 15, 16, 17, 1997 Cape Town, South Africa A Conference of the International Sociological Association's Research Committee on Ethnic, Race, and Minority Relations (RC05) The concept of multicultural citizenship is being proposed as a rubric under which to discuss the complexities, challenges, and prospects facing a multi-ethnic, democratic South Africa. Access to state resources can no longer be understood through a bi-chromatic lens of black and white, but must take into account the persistence of ethnic differences as well as increasing class stratification within black communities. As part of its effort to consolidate the new nation, the South African state must act simultaneously as manager and arbiter of difference, but is this a role that can be sustained indefinitely? The challenge is to forge a notion of being "South African" that is given substance by and encompasses our diverse cultural roots. This conference on multinational citizenship is an attempt to address the myriad questions which have arisen around the relationship between the individual and the state and collectivities and the state in the new South Africa. Issues of interest include, but are not limited to: * language policy; education; affirmative action; migrants, refugees, and rights; the arts and state funding; secessionist movements and diversity; national cultural councils; curriculum development; multiculturalism and nationalism. * Should multi-lingualism or single medium mother-tongue instruction be fostered? * Should the South African state give preference to previously disadvantaged Afrocentric cultural institutions over Eurocentric ones (e.g. symphony orchestras)? * What can South Africa learn from anti-racism and equity programmes that have become a central part of multiculturalism in Australia and Canada? * Can U.S. style affirmative action with quotas be applied in a society where the majority is disadvantaged? * Are efforts at black empowerment filtering down to the masses or merely enriching an elite? These issues have resonance in other parts of Africa and internationally. Papers that address these questions in an international and comparative context are especially encouraged. The conference will be organised into panel and plenary sessions with the emphasis on maximum discussion and participation. Length of papers should be 6,000-8,000 (20-25 pages). One page (200-300 words) abstracts should be submitted by June 30, 1997 for consideration by the programme committee. Abstracts can be sent to the attention of Ms. Gitanjali Maharaj via fax: 27-21-461-2589; e-mail: maharaj-AT-iafrica.com and post: PO Box 1739 Cape Town 8000 SOUTH AFRICA. For further information, call the IDASA Southern Democracy Centre, Cape Town: 27-21-461-2559, ext 222.
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