Learning from cultural diversity? The case of European Union-funded transnational projects on employment

Abstract:

This article aims at analysing inter-cultural learning dynamics on the ground. For this purpose, I investigate dynamics of learning from cultural diversity in European Union-financed transnational projects on employment and vocational training. Taking into account literature on new modes of governance and policy learning, I propose first a framework for the study of learning in a context of cultural diversity.

The empirical part of this article serves to illustrate under which circumstances flexible modes of governance (such as the EU-programmes under analysis) lead to different types of learning. In cases of epistemic learning, project managers aimed at the transfer of one-size-fits all solutions and thus, cultural diversity appeared as an obstacle. Flexible governance arrangements in inter-cultural contexts also led to reflective learning (learning from diversity) and ultimately to innovation and empowerment.

The understanding of learning from diversity required an in-depth qualitative analysis. Empirical evidence is drawn from document analysis and in-depth semi-structured interviews in France and the Netherlands.