Multiculturalism and Nordic Welfare States
– welfare state principles, democracy and gender equality
Ph.D. course, 21-23 March, 2011
Aalborg University REGISRATION
The Nordic welfare states have been characterized as strongly equality-oriented. Lately it has been argued that they have a stronger tradition for securing equality in relation to class and to some extent gender but they have failed to recognize new national, cultural and religious minorities. They are said to belong to the same welfare and gender political regimes, but research has shown that they have different approaches to multiculturalism and have adopted different politics and discourses in relation to migration. Sweden is the most multicultural Nordic country and the only country, which has separated state and church and accepts dual citizenship. In spite of historical, political and religious differences, all the Nordic countries experience similar problems with accommodation of cultural and religious diversity. They face serious problems with marginalization of old minority groups, like Sami, Roma and people from Greenland, and with marginalization and discrimination of new immigrant groups on the labour market, in politics and civil society. The political developments, conflicts and issues connected with growing immigration to the Nordic countries have inspired different academic debates about the causes, interpretations and different political responses to these problems.
One debate focuses on whether there is a trade off between homogeneity and universalist and welfare principles, and a central issue is, whether there is legitimacy related to developing solidarity with new immigrant groups. This debate is related to the issue of the high level of tax based welfare benefits.
Another debate among political theorist is centered on the issue of accommodation of diversity in liberal democracies, whether the relation between equality and recognition should be interpreted as a debate between universalism and particularism or as different political principles, which have to be (re)-negotiated in different contexts?
A third debate deals with multiculturalism and gender equality and it focuses on whether multiculturalism is a threat to gender equality, or whether the tensions between gender and diversity should be studied through an intersectional and contextual approach. For this debate as well as for the others, similarities and differences between debates and policy responses are in focus.
The course will critically assess the different academic positions from an international and multidisciplinary perspective. We invite PhD papers that address one or more of the issues in the debates. Papers dealing with similarities and differences among the Nordic countries and in relation countries outside the Nordic region are welcome.
Course format
The 2½ day event is divided into three thematic sessions that starts with plenary presentations, followed by parallel workshop sessions where PhD papers are presented and discussed. Participants are expected to comment upon each others papers.
Speakers
Will Kymlicka, Queens University, Kingston
Karin Borevi, Uppsala University
Per Mourtizen, Aarhus University
Anette Borchorst, Aalborg University
Birte Siim, Aalborg University
Max 30 participants
Venue:
Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 1, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
Time:
21 March 12.30 – 23th March, 13.00, 2011
Fee:
DKK: 700 = about 100 euro
ECTS:
Participation in the course: 3 ECTS
Presentation of paper: 2 ECTS
Deadlines:
Registration and abstract : no later than 31 January 2011
Papers: no later than 9 March 2011.
Registration - click here.
Abstract is to be send to Kirsten Buhl Mathiasen: kbm@socsci.aau.dk not later than 17 January.
Further information:
Anette Borchorst ab@epa.aau.dk and Birte Siim siim@ihis.aau.dk
Accommodations
Villa Rosa, BB, www.villarosa.dk
Aalborg Sømandshjem og hotel: www.hotel-aalborg.com
Limfjordshotellet: www.radissonblu.com/hotel-aalborg
Prinsen Hotel: http://www.prinsen-hotel.dk/
Cabinn Aalborg: http://www.cabinn.com
