The Theory of Recognition and Multicultural Policies in Colombia and New Zealand

"Pirsoul offers a fresh and interesting comparative perspective on the vexed issue of the politics of recognition and multiculturalism, drawing on deep case studies from New Zealand and Colombia. We need more fine-grained and contextual studies of recognition regimes at work on the ground as well as in theory, and Pirsoul’s book offers just the right balance between the two." — Duncan Ivision, Professor and Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Sydney, Australia



"Identity politics remains a fraught but essential component of social justice in modern societies. Nicolas Pirsoul brings a new and distinctive perspective on the benefits and shortcomings of policies of group recognition for indigenous minorities in New Zealand and Colombia, a comparative analysis that is as innovative as it is instructive." — Rachel Busbridge, Lecturer, Australian Catholic University, Australia



"This is an important book for anyone interested in how political theory can help post-colonial states and indigenous peoples work out fair and practical terms of association. Pirsoul looks beyond theories of multicultural accommodation to recognition as a theory concerned with how politics can work inclusively and to acknowledge the distinctive claims that arise from prior occupancy and colonial experience. This original work shows how and why recognition theory helps us to think deeply and carefully about these complex and pressing political questions." — Dominic O’Sullivan, Associate Professor, Charles Sturt University, Australia





This book analyses the policies of recognition that were developed and implemented to improve the autonomy and socio-economic well-being of Māori in New Zealand and of indigenous and Afro-descendent people in Colombia. It offers a theoretically informed explanation of the reasons why these policies have not yielded the expected results, and offers solutions to mitigate the shortcomings of policies of recognition in both countries. This in-depth analysis enables readers to develop their understanding of the theory of recognition and how it can promote social justice.