The Theory of Recognition and Multicultural Policies in Colombia and New Zealand

Abstract

This dissertation discusses recognition as a theoretical concept and a political practice. The thesis argues that currently, theories of recognition are conflated with theories of liberal multiculturalism, according to which recognition emerges through political practices that emphasise group-differentiated rights in plural societies. The thesis argues that in many cases, however, these political practices fail to realise the normative ideals of recognition theory. The argument is supported by an analysis of policies of ethnic recognition in two different geographical, political and cultural contexts: Colombia (indigenous people and Afro-Colombians) and New Zealand (indigenous people). The policies analysed in both cases First and foremost, I wish to express my gratitude to my two supervisors, Associate Professor Katherine Smits and Doctor Stephen Winter. Kathy and Steve gave highly valuable feedback during the long process of writing this thesis and helped me to improve the quality of this project greatly. They were also always very friendly and approachable during these three years.Most importantly, however, I wish to thank them because they played a very important role in my intellectual development. They helped me become a more critical and self-confident individual and, because of that, I feel deeply indebted to both of them.Other people have played an important role with their emotional and/or academic support during these three years. I particularly wish to thank Alejandra Gomez, Nicholas Ross Smith, Naser Ghobadzadeh, Hamed Soltanian and Sayyed Zuhair Araji.Finally, I wish to thank the most important person for my daily inspiration, my daughter, Sofia

What pension policy lessons could Colombia draw from New Zealand?

“…In fact, there is an ample amount of lesson-drawing scholarship that helps countries to design their policies. Among this scholarship between industrialized and developing nations Pirsoul (2018) studies the multicultural policy in New Zealand and Colombia. He concluded that there is a gap in both nations related to general population and elites understand multicultural policies that have been not successful.…”