In the Shadows of Nationalisms: Social Inclusion and Public Recognition of Roma and Egyptian Identities in Macedonia

Abstract

This article questions the role of public administration in facilitating the process of social inclusion of the culturally marginalized Other. It argues that government organizations could facilitate social inclusion of marginalized voices by providing symbolic public recognition of cultural differences. Government's role in the politics of social inclusion and public recognition is examined in the case of two highly marginalized cultural groups, Roma and Egyptians, in one deeply divided multicultural society, Macedonia. The paper focuses on four main issues relevant to public recognition of these groups: public recognition of their cultural identity, recognition of symbols of cultural identity, public use of languages, and enhancement of cultural autonomy. Based on the case study, the article concludes that symbolic public recognition may assist in social inclusion of minority cultures, but in Macedonia this process of social inclusion was grounded in the shadows of nationalist struggles for power and in the practical necessity for mitigation of intercultural tensions.