Normative foundations for intercultural policies
Abstract
This paper accounts for the differences between affirmative action and intercultural policies from a prescriptive approach. Its central thesis purports that affirmative action is a necessary but not a sufficient tool in order to achieve the ideals of interculturalism, i.e. dialogue, respect, coexistence and mutual learning between cultures. Through a critical reading of the works of Will Kymlicka, the article conducts a counterpoint between the concepts of multiculturalism and interculturalism, pointing to the shortcomings of the former since under the umbrella of a formal equalization of cultural differences multiculturalism and the affirmative action inspired, both contribute to the reproduction of the many inequalities among the groups activating the diverse cultural formations.
