Cities and the Peaceful Coexistence of the Faiths: Best Practices, Past and Present (2015-2016)
By comparing four Spanish and four Italian cities, this research project aims to identify best practices in diversity management and religious coexistence in Southern European cities.
I will use indicators adapted from the work of Keith Banting's and Will Kymlicka's Multiculturalism Policy Index to analyze cultural diversity policies at the local level:
1. Visibility and Acceptability of Religious Pluralism, in particular regarding Islam and mosques
2. Affirmative action for disadvantaged immigrant groups and anti-discrimination measures, in particular regarding Muslims
3. Affirmation of interculturalism at municipal levels and the existence of a city department or advisory board to implement this policy in consultation with ethnic communities
4. Adoption of cultural diversity as a guiding principle for managing educational matters
5. The funding of bilingual education or mother-tongue instruction
6. The inclusion of ethnic representation / sensitivity in the mandate of public institutions, associations that receive city public funding, media, or media licensing
7. The funding of ethnic group organizations or activities