3 Review(s)

This volume is a collection of the chapter presentations contributed by participants in the 5th Global Conference on Pluralism, Inclusion and Citizenship held in Salzburg, Austria, from November 6th - 8th, 2009. The conference, which provided a unique discussion opportunity for those of us interested in, or involved with, the complex and evolving issues and concepts of 'belonging,' drew together scholars and practitioners from diverse backgrounds and locations; from Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa and Oceania. The conference focused on three key themes of belonging, namely: Pluralism, Inclusion and Citizenship. In recent years, increased movement and migration has instigated debate in political, economic, social and cultural areas that are having major impacts on all aspects of our lives. These debates and their implications imply different results and processes in different geographical and cultural settings and hence undoubtedly the main starting and reference point for all chapters was on the concept of 'pluralism' and its meaning and impact on modern society.The approach taken in almost all chapters is indicative of the problems and possible solutions; issues can either be examined from top down (what the state or society can/should do) or bottom up (what individuals can do). Given the plethora of notions and ideas associated with pluralism, inclusion and citizenship, the variety and degree of difference in topic and depth/level of discussion is understandable. However, from the rich discussions and presentations that took place, we can pull together several over-arching threads of consciousness that weave through all the chapters and provide considerable fuel for future discussion, collaboration and planning.