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General introduction
The task of constructing an inclusive institutional culture and intercultural competences in social services currently raises a highly topical question: what will be the future of social cohesion in a Europe which is becoming increasingly pluralist under the influence of migration? To answer this question we must take account of the changing institutional structures and competences, particularly in the public services, geared to addressing diversity through social justice, which alone can guarantee social cohesion. This guide is designed to illustrate and fuel the debate on the possible ways forward in the social service sector.
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The guide does not go into the growing talk of “excessive diversity”, which, according to some, is turning social cohesion into an essentially paradoxical project. It concentrates on the means of assessing and envisaging the treatment of diversity within institutions, while avoiding stigmatisation and tensions. The guide strives to use accessible, pedagogical terminology.
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Nevertheless, we would like to address the paradoxes which are raising doubts about the future of social cohesion: • Are the “differences” between migrants and nationals (these differences being regarded as a problem for social cohesion) linked to cultural reasons, lifestyles and religious traditions, or are they rather a socio-economic (equality/inequality; availability for accepting/refusing a job, etc.) and political feature ([non-] participation in dialogue; absence or presence of stigmatisation)?
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• Do the conceptual and political frameworks explaining the governance of migration and analysing exclusion take account of the combined effects of migration, social, labour and nationality policies, or do they rather attribute exclusion and non-integration to deficits in “archaic”, “slow” or “violent” cultures?
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ary General l of Europe
• Is the solution to institutional and political conflicts prompted by diversity to be sought in active citizenship, enabling everyone to share responsibilities, rather than in promoting fear and suspicion of what is “different”, thus preventing intercultural dialogue from becoming the linchpin of renewal of the foundations of institutional relations with migrants? These questions show that “essentialising” the political debate on cultural diversity can end up obscuring the need for discussions and decisions on inequalities in living conditions and opportunities between migrants and nationals and on the roles of the legal and institutional structures and frameworks. A pro-cohesion debate is only possible if we take account of the interactions between elements for or against integration from the angle of social justice, as the guide points out from the outset. For instance, despite the wide range of legislation available in Europe, discriminatory treatment still exists in many major fields such as employment and services (in the health, social, educational and housing sectors). Such discrimination can only grow with the increasing conditionality of rights, including legislation imposing deadlines for access. According to the guide, any approach to developing an inclusive institutional culture that fosters social cohesion must have several aspects: • progress based on a drive for continuous improvement and gradual adjustments at all organisational levels;
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Preface
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General introduction
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