Over the last decade, tests and exams for immigrants have proliferated – especially, but not only, in Europe - but so have controversies about what they may legitimately ask. Such tests can be empowering, but only if they communicate lessons about rights and democracy, that is, politics – not about lifestyles or the supposed core content of a “national culture.”
PRINCETON – Can citizenship really be tested? An increasing number of countries – especially, but not only, in Europe – seem to think so.
Over the last decade, tests and exams for immigrants have proliferated – but so have controversies about what they may legitimately ask. Recently, the revelation that the “Life in the UK” test tries to instill respect for the practice of queuing – standing in line, that is – caused as much ridicule as indignation.
The British minister responsible for the test justified the idea by claiming that “the simple act of taking one’s turn is one of the things that holds our country together. It is very important that newcomers take their place in queues whether it is for a bus or a cup of tea.” While this might sound like an excerpt from a Monty Python sketch, it raises an important issue: should there be limits as to what prospective citizens are tested for? Can testing become counter-productive?
To continue reading, register now.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to everything PS has to offer.
To prevent catastrophic climate change and accelerate the global transition to a net-zero economy, policymakers and asset owners urgently need to rethink how we channel capital at scale. The key is to develop new financial instruments that are profitable, liquid, and easily accessible to savers and investors globally.
explain what it will take to channel private capital and savings toward sustainable development.
It is no exaggeration to say that the GCF’s replenishment campaign is a test of the world’s commitment to combating global warming. A successful outcome would not only help close the massive global climate financing gap, but would also allow developed countries to rebuild trust by showing that they understand the urgency of the crisis.
urge advanced economies to help developing countries by ensuring that the GCF has the resources it needs.
PRINCETON – Can citizenship really be tested? An increasing number of countries – especially, but not only, in Europe – seem to think so.
Over the last decade, tests and exams for immigrants have proliferated – but so have controversies about what they may legitimately ask. Recently, the revelation that the “Life in the UK” test tries to instill respect for the practice of queuing – standing in line, that is – caused as much ridicule as indignation.
The British minister responsible for the test justified the idea by claiming that “the simple act of taking one’s turn is one of the things that holds our country together. It is very important that newcomers take their place in queues whether it is for a bus or a cup of tea.” While this might sound like an excerpt from a Monty Python sketch, it raises an important issue: should there be limits as to what prospective citizens are tested for? Can testing become counter-productive?
To continue reading, register now.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to everything PS has to offer.
Subscribe
As a registered user, you can enjoy more PS content every month – for free.
Register
Already have an account? Log in