Applying the Logic of Regionalisation in Minority Studies

Abstract

This paper aims to highlight why the logic of regionalisation can be applied in minority studies. Overall, the introduction of a regionalised structure benefits minority groups in a country, simply because through decentralisation their voices can be better heard. Two components constitute regionalisation: the strengthening of regional identities within the population, and the political will of the central state to enhance effectivity in public administration. Regionalisation is a concept based on the rediscovery of the necessity of territorial management which is slowly returning to public administration structures all over Europe, but especially in Spain, Italy and France. These three countries are represented in this paper as examples of countries where the status of minorities can be examined through the analysis of the regionalisation process introduced there.