93: Thalia Dragonas: Community Development, Education & Integration

"My work is absolutely political. Working with the community is absolutely political. Working with refugees is absolutely political. Politics is everywhere. But the way politicians exercise it is a dead end."

Thalia Dragonas is Emeritus Professor of Social Psychology at the University of Athens, where she was also the Head of the Department for Early Childhood Education. Her research interests have included psychosocial identity and intergroup relations, intercultural education and ethnocentrism in the educational system, prevention and promotion of early psychosocial health, and she worked extensively for the educational reform of the Muslim Minority in Western Thrace.

She previously served as a State Member of the Greek Parliament and Secretary on Educational Planning and Intercultural Education at the Ministry of Education, Life-Long Learning and Religious Affairs. However, her commitment to the integration of minorities attracted the opposition of LAOS.

Julian talks with Thalia about her community development projects with various marginalised groups in Greece, the difference between integration and assimilation, and her experience of the Greek political system.