File spoon-archives/spoon-announcements.archive/spoon-announcements_1997/may12, message 13


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.



   

Driftline Main Page

 

Display software: ArchTracker © Malgosia Askanas, 2000-2005