Ethnicity vs. Citizenship in the Workplace Context: A Case Study of Macedonia

Abstract

The question of how ethnic diversity relates to economic development is important as multiethnic states move into the global market economy as in the case of ex-Yugoslavia. Understanding the role of ethnic relations in the workplace can help reveal how ethnic integration is experienced at the firm level. Macedonia's two main ethnic groups differ substantially on economic and social indicators. Our project examines relationships there among ethnic diversity, labour force integration and perceptions of nationalism vis-à-vis citizenship. Initial results indicate ethnically diverse communities and integrated workforces mitigate perceptions of nationalism and citizenship. Both the degree of ethnic diversification, as well as education, explain most of the variation observed. This has implications for the recent movement in Macedonia towards segregated education.

Balancing Cultural Diversity and Social Cohesion in Education: The Potential of Shared Education in Divided Contexts

“…This has resulted in greater ethnic segregation in schools and classrooms as pupils and families seek education in their first language (Lyon, 2013). Against a background of division, this increasing ethnic concentration has provoked concern both within government and among commentators on education, who have called for strategies to promote greater integration (Johansen and O'Neill, 2012;Lyon, 2013;Ministry of Education and Science, 2010;Reka, 2008). However, as the government's 2010 integration strategy recognises, such approaches must balance opportunities for inter-ethnic contact with respect for mother tongue instruction (Ministry of Education and Science, 2010).…”

“…Shared education in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia FYR Macedonia is located in south-east Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula, sharing a border with Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo and Serbia. Its population of approximately 2.1 million is composed of two principal groups, ethnic Macedonians (64.2%) who are concentrated in urban areas, and ethnic Albanians (25.2%), who reside principally in Skopje and in the rural regions in the west of the country; other groups, including Turkish (3.9%),Roma (1.9%) and Serbian (1.2%), also comprise notable populations(CIA, 2016;Koppa, 2001;Johansen and O'Neill, 2012). Since gaining independence in 1991, FYR Macedonia has been the site of ongoing tensions stemming largely from Albanian anger at what they perceive as oppression by the Macedonian-dominated state…”