IngentaConnect The Weight of Context: Headscarves in Holland

Authors: Verhaar O.¹; Saharso S.²

Source: Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, Volume 7, Number 2, April 2004 , pp. 179-195(17)

Publisher: Springer

Abstract:

This paper explores the potential of a contextual approach to multicultural conflict. It reconstructs two cases that were hotly debated in the Netherlands—‘Islamic’ headscarves for police officers and for court officers—and asks whether a ‘contextual’ approach reaches compromises and thus promotes social stability more easily than a ‘deductive’ approach. The argument is that a ‘deductive’ approach accepts standing interpretations of normative principles, whereas a ‘contextual’ approach reinterprets these principles in the light of the circumstances and that, whether or not it promotes social stability, a contextual approach makes us attend to otherwise neglected perspectives and thus yields greater normative insights.

Keywords: contextualism; discrimination; exemption policies; headscarves; multiculturalism; public office

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1023/B:ETTA.0000032760.95352.47

Affiliations: 1: Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen/Faculteit der Rechtsgeleerdheid, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1081, HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands., Email: o.verhaar@rechten.vu.nl 2: Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen/Faculteit der Rechtsgeleerdheid, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1081, HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands., Email: s.saharso@fsw.vu.nl

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