COMPAS Annual Conference 2007: Between ‘Parallel Lives’ and ‘Community Cohesion’ – Oxford, 5-6 July 05-07-2007 Introduction The concept of ‘parallel lives' of immigrant and ethnic minority communities
suggests that certain immigrant or ethnic minority groups have established such
a set of ‘own' social spaces, practices and institutions that their lives do not
touch those of people from other groups. In response, British central government
has focused on ‘community cohesion' as the guiding principle for local policies
and practices. ‘Community cohesion' promotes the ideals of a common vision and
sense of belonging, the value of diversity, similar life opportunities for all,
and a set of strong and positive relationships within localities populated by
groups from a variety of backgrounds.
Description
While the broad tenets of ‘community cohesion' are laudable, many local
authorities have found them difficult to put into practice. Further, numerous
social scientists and local civil society organisations claim that the notion of
‘parallel lives' is over-stated, and that in most localities around the country
exclusive practices and spaces of ethnic or religious concentration often
coexist with shared local identities and everyday patterns of inter-group
interaction.
The time has come to take a fresh look at the evidence of immigrant
integration and ethnic relations. Through such examination, new conceptual
models can be fashioned in order to foster better social scientific analyses and
to develop more appropriate policies and services supporting inter-ethnic
relations and changing immigrant populations. The 2007 COMPAS Annual Conference
will provide an important forum in which to engage these issues. The event will
bring together leading academics, civil servants, NGOs and other key players
involved in current debates, research and practice.
Programme Location
Oxford, United Kingdom
Register Links For more information and to register, please visit the conference websiteback |
