Abstract
Considering some of the limitations that the most common theoretical tools present for explaining the functioning of cultural diversity, we examine the multiple possibilities of the combinations that some of these theoretical-methodological tools offer, namely, conviviality (Illich in Tools for conviviality. Harper & Row, New York, 1973; Gilroy in After empire: melancholia or convivial culture? Routledge, London, 2004) and super-diversity (Vertovec in Ethn Racial Stud 30(6):1024–1054, 2007). In previous work, we already conceptualized a dialogical relationship between these concepts and benefits they hold for our field of study (Padilla et al. in Ethn Rac Stud 4(38):621–635, 2015; Rev Andamios 36:15–41, 2018). Here, we trace the origin and meaning of these terms, to then present a more in-depth analysis that considers their pros and cons when applied. In particular, we include the ethnographic work carried out in the field of cultural policies that celebrate “cultural diversity” in two super-diverse cities in Southern Europe, Lisbon (Portugal) and Granada (Spain). The paper concludes with some final thoughts about how conviviality (as a holistic and relational concept that captures interactions among diverse subjects) and super-diversity (as an idea that conceives multiculturality in a more complex and not superficial manner) can be epistemically useful when considered together, complementing each other.
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The datasets generated and/or analyzed during this study are not publicly available. However, research reports have been submitted to both funding agencies, and can be requested if desired.
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Notes
A note is necessary to clarify that in Spanish there are several terms associated with “conviviality/ convivialidad/convivencialidad”, however, these differences disappear in the English language. Likewise, convivencia tends to be translated as co-existence losing part of the explanatory power of both convivencia and conviviality. Considering that Illich developed his work in Latin America, even if his book was publish in English, these nuances might be important to capture.
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This article was supported by the following funds: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), project “Convivial Cultures and Super-diversity” (3599-PPDCTI/2010–2012); and European Commission (International Research Staff Exchange Scheme–Marie Curie, Grant Agreement 612617, 7th Framework Programme), project “Multilevel governance of cultural diversity in a comparative perspective: EU-Latin America–GOVDIV” (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IRSES/2014–2018).
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His study was approved by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), project “Convivial Cultures and Super-diversity” (3599-PPDCTI/2010–2012); and by European Commission (International Research Staff Exchange Scheme–Marie Curie, Grant Agreement 612617, 7th Framework Programme), project “Multilevel governance of cultural diversity in a comparative perspective: EU-Latin America–GOVDIV” (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IRSES/2014–2018).
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Padilla, B., Olmos-Alcaraz, A. Exploring cultural policies in Southern Europe from the lens of conviviality in contexts of super-diversity. SN Soc Sci 2, 274 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-022-00572-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-022-00572-9