Calibrating Cultural Lenses: Socio-Economic Participation, Identity and Migration Policy Shifts

Abstract

This chapter focuses on 'new minorities' in Western Europe in light of theme proposed by October 2010 Minority Rights Network's conference on the Socio- Economic Participation of Minorities in Relation to their Right to Respect for Identity. It briefly analyzes some of implications of policy shift, in light of three themes often found in narratives on multiculturalism and integration: (i) existence of relevant coincidences between socioeconomic and cultural groups; (ii) a linkage between socio-economic participation with cultural accommodation policies; and (iii) a possible relation between socio-economic integration, cultural accommodation and prevention of collective violence. The chapter also argues that better definition of terms and a calibration of 'cultural lenses' through which groups are understood would improve debate on multicultural policies in relation to migrant integration. In addition, chapter reflects briefly on migration policy issues from a human security standpoint. Keywords:cultural identity; cultural lenses; migration policy; multicultural policies; socio-economic participation; Western Europe