Ethnic and Minority Policy Eötvös Loránd University

Overview

The Ethnic and Minority Policy programme of Eötvös Loránd University provides the expertise necessary for this effort specifically in the European space. On the other hand, much of the research analyses, the scientific methods as well as the ‘Eastern and Central Europe experiences’ discussed in the Program have relevance also to those interested students who study ethnicity, race, and majority-minority relations elsewhere in the world.

The serious ethnic conflicts of the region, the demand for countries to meet European norms in the area of minority issues, the increase in migration, and the simultaneous growth of xenophobia, anti-Semitism, and homophobia all contribute to a pressing need in Eastern and Central Europe for highly trained professionals who have the insight and expertise to identify the main political, social and psychological reasons behind tensions and discriminations and who are also equipped with the skills and techniques to handle and moderate these conflicts.

Strength of program

The modern principle of multiculturalism, protection of minority rights, equal opportunities, anti-discrimination, and new challenges of intercultural integration of modern societies request more and more academics who intend to carry out research or teach about ethnic diversity and inter-ethnic relations. In post-industrial welfare societies there is a growing need for policy makers or expert advisors in issues and conflicts between regions, nations, ethnic groups, minorities, and majorities in Hungary or various parts of Europe.

There is a considerable need for these types of professionals today, and this demand in the future will even increase as the historical legacy of Eastern and Central Europe, the renaissance of the national spirit, the intense immigration, and frequent ethnic and minority conflicts make the task of managing and reducing ethnic tensions more and more important.

Career paths

In the age of global migration processes and inter-ethnic conflicts fuelled by an increasing level of nationalism, Ethnic and Minority Policy experts are more than simply needed in various fields of studies and works.  Both governmental and non-governmental offices and organizations dealing with ethnic or other kind of minorities, migrants, and refugees provide our students possible future career possibilities. Besides these institutes, local offices of different international organizations also employ experts on ethnic and minority issues.

We expect that our graduates can find jobs in the different public or private agencies like in public (governmental) organizations and the minority self-governments, in public education, in research institutes, in the media, in civil organizations and NGOs, and in all such programs and projects that aim to promote the successful social and cultural integration of minorities into the dominant society.

Job examples

Project managers, policy makers, researchers, field coordinators.