TRACK 08: Planning ‘in’ or ‘for’ Multicultural Societies. Diversity, Social Justice and Democracy

 

Co-chairs: Lia Vasconcelos, Angelique Chettiparamb

Multi-ethnicity, multiculturalism and factionalism along multiple grounds such as religion and language are increasingly becoming features common in European cities and regions today. Although, multiplicity and the presence of the ‘other’ through trade and travel have always defined cities in Europe, the scale, pace and nature of change is now largely perceived as being unprecedented or different. The compression of space and time in cities jostles various types of traditional ways of life entrenching some identity positions and threatening others. This track explores issues around mediation of diversity and conflict, seeking to examine ideas of social justice, human rights, and democracy in the wake of multiplicity. Specific questions include:

• How can we describe and understand the nature, potential and challenges of diversity in contemporary European societies?
• How can planning respond to diverse values and capabilities whilst retaining a commitment to ideas of spatial social justice? 
• What are the roles for planners in multicultural territorial communities? 
• What planning approaches at various scales have been adopted for conflict resolution in divided societies?
• How might planning contribute to ideals of democracy that define most contemporary European polities?