Current philosophical approaches to multiculturalism and identity politics fail to address the challenges of social cohesion in culturally diverse societies. Social and political philosopher Perry Huesmann presents the historical concept of the covenant as a normative framework for solidarity, shared values, and difference.
How can societies with growing cultural diversity maintain social cohesion? According to Huesmann, current philosophical frameworks fall short. ‘Current philosophical interpretations of multiculturalism and identity politics are insufficient to provide an adequate response to the challenges of increasing pluralism and the need for social cohesion.’
The limitations of nationalism and multiculturalism
Huesmann argues that both nationalist approaches and existing forms of multiculturalism have significant limitations.
‘Forms of nationalism, rooted in cultural monism, appeal to a tradition to which a return cannot be made without risk, as this can lead to profound social division through mechanisms of exclusion and even social rupture. At the same time, the current debate lacks concepts that do justice to the complex reality of cultural pluralism,’ says Huesmann.
The covenant concept as a framework for social connectedness
In his research, Huesmann introduces the covenant concept as an alternative framework for understanding social relations in a pluralistic society. This concept, which was already used by influential political thinkers in the seventeenth century, provides, according to him, a framework for rethinking the relationship between the individual and the community.
At its centre is the human being in relation to the other. The covenant concept connects individual identity with responsibility towards a reality that transcends the individual. According to Huesmann, the biblical notion of covenant encompasses both separation and connectedness.
‘Separation makes the formation of the individual possible and safeguards their unique identity, while at the same time that same individual connects themselves to a reality that transcends them, in order to establish a society in which every person can flourish.’
According to Huesmann, the covenant concept therefore constitutes ‘a necessary response to the increasing individualism in Western society, which undermines social cohesion because it allows policymaking to be determined by the largest or loudest interest group.’
Shared values as the foundation of social cohesion
The research shows that society needs shared values that transcend individual interests. Huesmann states: ‘Politics has increasingly become focused on the distribution of scarce resources among competing interests. What is missing is a normative framework that provides language or a shared vision for a higher common purpose, while also allowing space for those who think differently.’
To move beyond nationalist ideologies, Huesmann argues for a ‘shared narrative that acknowledges historical injustices while also offering a perspective on a common future.’
He also formulates seven fundamental moral principles that can serve as the basis for a shared society. Huesmann: ‘These principles include, among other things, justice and equality before the law, the protection of human dignity, respect for personal intimacy, reverence for life, and the rejection of exclusion and the absolutisation of culture.’
Literature study on covenant, multiculturalism and social cohesion
Huesmann’s research is based on an extensive literature review of multiculturalism, identity politics, social cohesion, and the covenant concept. The study first analyses the development of multiculturalism through a case study of Canada. It then examines the historical development of the covenant concept within European political philosophy and the ancient Hebrew and Jewish traditions.
Finally, through a textual analysis of the Bible, the research examines who belongs to a covenant community and on what basis this connectedness is established. In doing so, the study offers a new philosophical perspective on the relationship between cultural diversity, shared values, and social cohesion.
More information about the thesis.
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