Abstract
How can tensions between cultural and human rights be navigated? And how can cultural diversity be supported without legitimising the rhetorical weaponisation of difference in favour of abuses of power? To answer these questions, this chapter identifies a set of principles that could underpin the development of a decolonial and feminist approach to the management of cultural diversity. Intellectuals have debated the issue of cultural diversity for decades; the result is a rich corpus of philosophical, ethical and political discussions that is only now beginning to receive the attention it deserves beyond the field of feminist studies. However, this body of work is not yet reflected in policy debates, let alone in discussions regarding the management of cultural diversity, in a sustained manner. To address this gap, the chapter proposes to connect decolonial and feminist thinking with ongoing debates focused on cultural rights. Specifically, it attempts to make sense of a tension that is evident in reports by holders of the post of United Nations Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, which support cultural diversity but, at the same time, refer negatively to cultural relativism. Rather, and in close engagement with such reports, the chapter argues that cultural relativism and cultural diversity are inseparable in a decolonial and feminist approach to the management of cultural diversity. Finally, the chapter provides policy recommendations inspired by this work to begin to address the aforementioned contradiction.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | A New Gender Equality Contract for Europe |
Subtitle of host publication | Feminism and Progressive Politics |
Publisher | Palgrave Macmillan |
Chapter | 6 |
Pages | 105-129 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 978-3-031-59993-4 |
ISBN (Print) | 978-3-031-59992-7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2025 |