Tensions in Recognition Politics in Europe: A Reading of Italian Interculturalism(s) as Ideology

Abstract: This article provides a brief investigation of Italian interculturalism(s) in relation to a highly relevant European policy document, the White Paper on Intercultural dialogue (Council of Europe). I will specifically focus on conceptually relevant tensions which cut across recognition politics more generally and may empirically translate into different versions of intercultural politics. An analysis of various Italian interculturalisms confirms the prominence of the cultural dimension, while the issue of equity is clearly neglected. I will assess the profile of the interculturalism as revealed by the European and Italian education discourses and highlight tensions and dilemmas. I will propose a reading of interculturalism as ideology and assess the possibilities and direction of the current versions to altering the practice and support inclusive politics.

Keywords: Italian and European Interculturalism; Ideology; Politics of Recognition