How to turn difficulties into opportunities: drawing from diversity to promote social cohesion

Abstract

Racism in Europe is an ongoing reality that shapes many people’s everyday lives. Diversity is often perceived as a barrier to social cohesion or educational success. These discourses are very often translated into measures that tend to assimilate or segregate those with a migrant or minority background. In this article, drawing from the results of the INCLUD‐ED project, it is argued that through the implementation of successful actions diversity can be turned into an opportunity to enhance learning and social cohesion.

Keywords:

• racism
• diversity
• immigration
• cultural minorities
• social cohesion
• community involvement

Notes

1. Loi n^o 2004‐228 du 15 mars 2004 encadrant, en application du principe de laïcité, le port de signes ou de tenues manifestant une appartenance religieuse dans les écoles, collèges et lycées publics. [Law 2004‐228 of 15 March 2004 concerning, as an application of the principle of the separation of church and state, the wearing of symbols or garb which show religious affiliation in primary and secondary state schools].

2. LOGSE. 1990. Ley Orgánica 1/1990, de 3 de Octubre, de Ordenación General del Sistema Educativo. BOE, núm. 238 de 4/10/1990, pp. 28927 a 28942, Ref. BOE‐A‐1990‐24172. [Law of Education in Spain, 1990]. http://www.boe.es/aeboe/consultas/bases_datos/doc.php?coleccion=iberlex&id=1990/24172