Representations of ethnic diversity: the role of public institutions for inclusionary citizenship practices

Abstract

This paper takes the case of Catalonia to inquire into how ethnic diversity is represented in the public institutions, considering both pro-diversity agendas and the actual presence of people from diverse origins in different positions. Based on data from the REPCAT project, it applies a normative approach and suggests that an increased representation of immigrants and members of ethnic minority groups is necessary in order to fulfil intercultural policy aims, and, at a broader level, that the representation of ethnic diversity in public institutions such as the education system and the police force is a democratic necessity in the superdiverse European societies of today. Focus is then shifted towards how to address the persisting underrepresentation, considering targeting or transformative measures, and to what extent there is receptiveness for a transformation towards more ethnically plural public institutions that are more representative of the whole citizenry.