Learning from cultural diversity? The case of European Union-funded transnational projects on employment. Issue 4 (2nd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sanchez Salgado, Rosa
• Is Part Of: Journal of contemporary European studies. Volume 26:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 359
• Page End: 376
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02
• Subjects: Cultural diversity -- employment -- European Union -- policy learning -- transnational cooperation; Europe -- Periodicals; Europe -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Europe -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Area studies -- Periodicals; Europe -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 940.05
• DOI: 10.1080/14782804.2018.1432477
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-2804

Abstract

Abstract: This article aims at analysing inter-cultural learning dynamics on the ground. For this purpose, I investigate dynamics of learning from cultural diversity in European Union-financed transnational projects on employment and vocational training. Taking into account literature on new modes of governance and policy learning, I propose first a framework for the study of learning in a context of cultural diversity. The empirical part of this article serves to illustrate under which circumstances flexible modes of governance (such as the EU-programmes under analysis) lead to different types of learning. In cases of epistemic learning, project managers aimed at the transfer of one-size-fits all solutions and thus, cultural diversity appeared as an obstacle. Flexible governance arrangements in inter-cultural contexts also led to reflective learning (learning from diversity) and ultimately to innovation and empowerment. The understanding of learning from diversity required an in-depth qualitative analysis. Empirical evidence is drawn from document analysis and in-depth semi-structured interviews in France and the Netherlands.