Abstract

SARRAZIN, Jean Paul. Elements for a Critique of the Policies Intended to Protect the Cultural Diversity. Estud. Polit. [online]. 2019, n.54, pp.127-148. ISSN 0121-5167.  https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.espo.n54a08.

This article reflects on the foundations and consequences of the policies aimed at the protection of cultural diversity in Colombia. In the first part, a historical outline is presented on the evolution of dominant ideas regarding racial and cultural alterity since the 19th century up to the beginning of the 21st century. The second part of the article analyses institutional actions and discourses, an analysis that leads to a critique concerning the relationship which has been officially established between the notion of «the protection of cultural diversity» and other concepts such as «cultural damage», «preservation of traditions» or «authenticity». It is concluded that hegemonic views on cultural diversity are incongruent with respect to the socio-cultural realities of the country. This emphasizes the need to reassess the policies aimed at the protection of cultural diversity, since the existing ones are confusing, unsustainable for the future, and ineffective in their attempt to assist the most marginalized communities.

Keywords : Public Politics; Cultural Diversity; Multiculturalism; Ethnicity; Colombia.

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