CfP: Conference on Cultural Diversity & Liberal Democracy, York

Cultural diversity, and its implications, constitutes a fundamental 
challenge to contemporary liberal democracy.  Historically, liberal 
democracy’s adherents have championed tolerance and openness.  Yet, as 
diversity becomes more complex and the demands of cultural minorities 
for recognition and accommodation become more intense, so there is 
increasing debate as to the appropriate response.  By which principles 
and through which measures can, and should, the demands of cultural 
minorities be met? Has multiculturalism proven to be an effective and, 
within the ideals of liberal democracy, legitimate formula for doing so? 
Do other formulae (such as interculturalism or plurinational 
federalism) offer more promise? Are different formulae appropriate for 
different situations?  Should diversity be embraced and encouraged as a 
value in itself? Conversely, should liberal democratic institutions, 
given their very nature, avoid any attempt to accommodate cultural 
diversity? 

While these questions have long been the subject of academic discourse 
and debate, they have acquired a new urgency in most liberal democratic 
polities. Public debate over the implications of cultural diversity has 
become polarized and divisive.  Economic crisis, austerity policies and 
international   security threats have helped to create a new political 
climate which is critical of immigration, calls for firmer measures to 
integrate immigrants, and is less disposed to recognize and accommodate 
minority cultures. 

Clearly, the time has come to take a new look at the implications of 
cultural diversity for liberal democracy. Accordingly, the Glendon 
School of Public & International Affairs (GSPIA) is organizing a two day 
conference entitled ‘Cultural Diversity and Liberal Democracy: Models, 
Policies and Practice’. The conference is scheduled to take place April 
19‐20, 2016. 

Invitations to give keynote addresses have been accepted by David Miller 
(Oxford University) and Alan Patten (Princeton University). Other 
invitations are pending. 

Scholars, researchers and practitioners are invited to propose 
presentations for the conference. Proposals will be considered on a wide 
variety of topics bearing upon the theme of the conference including: 
•    critiques, defenses and reformulations of multiculturalism 
•    alternative approaches to accommodation of cultural minorities 
•    Feminism and multiculturalism 
•    Relationship between cultural diversity and social and economic 
inequality 
•    Conflicts between diversity and redistribution 
•    Impact of international security concerns of cultural minorities 
•    Multinational or plurinational arrangements 
•    Competing claims of national minorities and immigrant populations 
•    ‘Civic integration’ policies, as implemented in Western Europe 
•    Religious demands and liberal democratic values 
•    Recognition of language rights 
•    Integration of immigrants, including: first contact on arrival, 
community services, and government measures 
•    Geographical patterns of diversity and policies that facilitate or 
prevent the (re)production of these patterns 
•    The impact of court decisions on policy‐making 

Presentations can be made in either English or French (simultaneous 
interpretation will be available). While the GSPIA cannot commit to 
provide travel funding, it will endeavour to secure at least partial 
funding for submissions that are selected. For this purpose, submissions 
should be received by October 1, 2015. 

The School is the ideal setting for this event. Located on a secluded 
and picturesque campus in the heart of Toronto, Canada’s largest and 
most cosmopolitan city, The School draws together more than twenty 
scholars from a broad range of disciplines in the social science and 
humanities.  All its activities take place in Canada’s two official 
languages, as will the proposed conference.  The School is housed in 
Glendon College, a liberal arts college of 3,000 students, which is part 
of York University. The historical mission and general ambience of the 
Glendon campus are especially conducive to wide‐ranging explorations of 
contemporary issues. 
Submissions and queries can be directed to: Kenneth McRoberts 
Director and Professor 
Glendon School of Public & International Affairs Glendon Campus, York 
University 
2275 Bayview, Toronto ON M4N 3M6 kmcroberts @glendon.yorku.ca