MultiCite
MultiCite engages in the theoretical and normative analysis of political and ethical questions related to citizenship, democracy, and multiculturalism. The sociological “given” of multiculturalism Multiculturalism as a “sociological reality” currently constitutes one of the greatest challenges in to (re)conceptualizezing the legitimacy, stability, and functioning of democratic regimes. This challenge has crucial implications for citizenship, whether it be defined as a status, an ensemble of rights, or an identity referent. MultiCite’s goal is to analyze these implications via a normative approach in order to make sense of current policy challenges such as integration policy, immigration policy, and asylum policy.
Multiculturalism comprises a wide array of approaches which, despite their differences, share a common foundation: the idea that the liberal model of citizenship and justice inspired by Ralwsianism, which predominates in political theorypredominant in political theory, runs into difficulties and injustices when applied to multicultural contexts. It is therefore necessary to determine the alternatives to this concept of citizenship and democracy. There are various approaches many of these , some inspired by critical and/or post-structuralist theory, others by republicanism or nationalist or communitarian philosophy. These different approaches They represent provide the normative basis of the various arguments and political positions regarding models of citizenship, rights and obligations, and even also integration policies.
These theoretical models are necessary in order to give a sense tounderstand, and evaluate, the differing practices of citizenship. Nevertheless, in spite of the flourishing empirical and normative research on questions of citizenship and cultural difference, it is apparent that serious epistemological and methodological tensions exist between the normative (evaluative) approach and empirical (analytical) research. Utilization of a normative theory poses multiple problems for research. One of the goals of MultiCite is to take these tensions seriously in order to open new perspectives for original reflection. Therefore, alongside giving essentially space to the contributions from political philosophy/theory, MultiCite’s activities will also include empirical research and analysis in the field of citizenship, democracy and cultural difference in order to address their normative implications.
MultiCite pursues the following activities:
Discussion of the research and work by its participants. It offers a forum for discussion of for both the research projects and work conducted by MultiCite its members. The group aims to provide crucial support for when researchers are preparing to submit research or grant proposals, with the goal of improving projects and their chances of success through a new, dedicated forum for encounters and discussion.
Organization of seminars and workshops. MultiCite also offers a discussion group for pre-publication editing for works-in-progressby group members, and the possibility for them to discuss the results of their research with international researchers working on similar topics at thematic workshops.
Exchange of scientific information. MultiCite is a space allowing members to share developments in the science and political theory political science and theory literature regarding questions tied to the just and democratic governance of multicultural societies.