Diversity, Cohesion and the Richness of Cities
Diversity, Cohesion and the Richness of Cities
Many cities in Europe are becoming increasingly diverse in terms of their ethnic composition, as migrants from both within and outside the European Union settle in search of security and economic advancement. At the same time, already-settled non-indigenous groups are growing rapidly, often at a faster pace than the host majority within particular cities. Against the back-drop of the post-911 world, these urban trends have coincided with concerns for the future of the multicultural city, and raised questions in particular about the social and economic integration of migrants and minority groups within urban societies. At the same time, it is recognised that ethnic minorities and migrants offer vital human resources necessary to maintain and enhance urban economic growth, as service workers, professionals and entrepreneurs. This track seeks papers focusing on related themes such as the following:
- Residential Segregation: What is the evidence on trends in racial segregation in cities? Is self-segregation by minorities a myth or a reality? Does segregation have any positive effects for urban society as a whole, rather than being seen in entirely negative terms? Is residential mixing between groups a growing phenomenon? Do ethnic minorities achieve residential progression in the same way as majorities (e.g. through suburbanisation) and does this lead to social integration?
- Multiculturalism: Do different approaches to multiculturalism yield different outcomes in terms of social integration and harmony? Does cultural diversity generate economic gains? Has toleration of diverse values undermined the collective social fabric of cities? How is the notion of assimilation received by minority groups; does this depend upon the anticipated social and economic returns? What degree of flexibility or adaptation in attitudes and behaviours is expected of majority groups?
- Social Interaction, Identity & Integration: Can social interactions in everyday spaces beyond the home, including the immediate neighbourhood and public spaces and amenities elsewhere in the city, promote understanding and empathy between diverse ethnic groups? Are hybrid forms of culture and identity emerging?
- Equality and Inequalities: To what extent is community cohesion dependent upon overcoming inequalities in health, education and employment between ethnic groups? Has there been a narrowing of inequalities for longer-settled minority groups?
- Civic Engagement, Identity and Attachment: Have cities adopted the best models of community engagement, for example by incorporating ethnic minority ‘community leaders’ into local governance and politics? Do minority groups feel a sense of place attachment and is ‘place’ part of the identity they create, alongside identities based on culture or religion? Are ethnic minorities civically active; is this only in separate cultural and community groups, or also alongside majorities?
Contact: Ade Kearns [Email: a.kearns@lbss.gla.ac.uk]
Diversity, Cohesion and the Richness of Cities
1. Paola Briata: The Concept of "Culture" in Multi-Ethnic Areas Regeneration Policies: Common Views, Weaknesses, Experiences, Perspectives
2. Arkaitz Fullaondo: Socio-Residential Characteristics of Immigration Areas in Spain: a Comparative Metropolitan Approach [To be presented by Malcolm Burns]
3. Stephen Syrett: Enterprise and Diversity: Competitiveness and Cohesion in the Global City