Conference Announcement "Multicultural Futures" International Interdisciplinary Conference International Metropolis Project Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements Australian Multicultural Foundation Tuscany (Italy) 22-23 September 2004
What role should multiculturalism play in diverse and pluralistic societies? Long regarded as the premier policy for the integration of immigrants and refugees in their societies of destination, multiculturalism has increasingly come under scrutiny from numerous sides in the migration discussion. Will it remain the best way to manage the challenges that lie ahead? Or will alternative approaches such as interculturalism be better guides to public policy in the 21st century? These fundamental issues will be discussed at the Multicultural Futures conference to be held at Monash Universitys Prato Centre in Tuscany, Italy, 22-23 September 2004. Some of the worlds most renowned experts on the subject, from Australia, Canada, Italy and the UK among others, will discuss and examine these questions with an eye towards developing a position on whether multiculturalism ought to retain its pre-eminent position in integration policy or whether the time has come to put forth an alternative. The conference will look at the question directly and through some related issues such as: - Religious freedom in liberal pluralistic societies - Gender equality - The impact of multiculturalism on setting and implementing national polices in such fields as immigration, citizenship, foreign policy - The emergence of interculturalism as an alternative approach - Critiques of multiculturalism focused on national identity and the social safety net - The current challenges to multiculturalism policy that different nations now face Conference Secretariat: Mrs Irene Thavarajah Conference Management Office Monash University Building 70 Clayton, 3800 Australia Tel: 61 (3) 9905 1344 Fax: 61 (3) 9905 1343 Email: irene.thavara...@adm.monash.edu.au Website: http://www.international.metropolis.net _________________________________ InterPhil List Administration: http://interphil.polylog.org/ Intercultural Philosophy Calendar: http://agd.polylog.org/cal/
