The Gift of Recognition. Self and Other in the Multicultural Situation

Numerous studies that address the issue of identity within the context of multiculturalism focus on cultural, group or political identity but not on personal identity.1 They address the question of the identity of a culture, or of different cultures within one society, and their relationships to the society as a whole — that is, to ‘dominant values’ held within that society — or they address political identity, in other words, citizenship.2 This paper aims instead at a reflection on personal identity. What first comes to mind with respect to multiculturalism are socio-economic problems that are related to the redistribution of political rights and economic resources, as well as social problems of discrimination and the recognition of minorities.3 Yet, these influence one’s sense of self. The ‘clash between cultures’ for newcomers in European countries leads to feelings of insecurity, not knowing how to act, not knowing what rules or values to follow. The significance of personal identity has also manifested itself in central debates in the context of multiculturalism, such as whether or not Muslim women are allowed to wear headscarves in public space. Young women sometimes decide to wear headscarves to show their Muslim identity, but face problems doing so in the context in which they want to wear them (school, work). Others are forced by family, or feel they must adhere to the norms of their immediate social circles. Even though it is seldom explicitly discussed, questions of ‘who one is’ and ‘who one wants to be’ play an important part in debates such as this.4