Le multiculturalisme dans une perspective féministe : une théorie libérale de l’aménagement de la diversité culturelle
This dissertation aims at complementing existing multicultural theories with measures promoting autonomy and equality among cultural and religious minorities’ most vulnerable members. In a liberal society, multicultural policies are justified inasmuch as they allow compensating for undeserved inequalities, particularly those stemming from the individuals’ belonging to a cultural minority. The first chapter addresses this justification of cultural diversity management. In practice, multicultural policies can however contribute to weaken even more the vulnerable individuals within minorities, hence reinforcing existing inequalities among the group. Indeed, feminist writers have brought to light a number of criticisms about these policies, which are exposed in the second chapter. In the third chapter, the capabilities concept, constructed as an operational and procedural definition of relational autonomy, is used to build a framework complementing existing multicultural theories. Potential practical applications of this model are then explored in the fourth chapter. The capabilities framework, construed both as a guide for policy-making and as a standard to resolve hard cases, could pave the way for a new kind of cultural diversity management techniques. This framework is more flexible towards cultural diversity, potentially allowing accommodations for more cultural practices, but it is also more stringent, requiring the implementation of institutional mechanisms addressing issues within minorities.
multiculturalism feminism liberalism autonomy equality tolerance women capabilities deliberation education