EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Effectiveness of mixing ethnic groups

Effectiveness of mixing ethnic groups

Introduction

In recent years, social disquiet has increased about the existence of concentrations of ethnic minorities in districts, the increase in schools with predominantly ethnic pupils and the growth of self-help organisations for ethnic minorities.

How the authorities should deal with the concentration of ethnic minorities is unclear. To gain more insight into this question, the Cabinet asked the Council for Social Development (RMO) to prepare a policy recommendation.

Proposition

What are the consequences of ethnic concentration for the integration of minorities into society?

Description

Current government policy focuses on the mixing of ethnic groups in residential districts, organisations and specifically in schools. This study analyses whether this policy is effective in the advancement of integration. A new policy model has been developed by the RMO as a policy recommendation.

Conclusions

The increasing segregation of minorities in schools, districts and social life is harmful to the cohesiveness of society as a whole. The RMO concludes however, that the direct approach to ethnic concentration is both possible and effective only to a limited extent.
The RMO has developed a new model, in which unity, diversity and bonding are the central themes. The government creates an inviolable framework. This framework both restricts and creates room for diversity. The government subsequently invests in communications between ethnic groups.
To guarantee unity, the RMO recommends more attention to basic democratic values, the Dutch language and common experiences.
To provide space for diversity, the RMO recommends the individuality of the neighbourhood within the heterogeneous district, quality at school and in the neighbourhood, transparency of social organisations and the development of a Dutch Islam.
To strengthen the ties between various ethnic groups, the RMO recommends more contact and interaction between ethnic groups, leadership that builds bridges between sections of the population and improvement of socio-economic position of ethnic minorities.

Contact info

Council for Social Development
Phone: +31 70 3405294
rmo@adviesorgaan-rmo.nl

Publication date

01/02/2005

Researcher

Z.S. Arda et al.

Article info
ISBN: 9012108446

Links

Council for Social Development

Unity, diversity and bonding. Policy advice on the concentration and integration of ethnic minorities in the Netherlands (PDF, Dutch, 777KB)

Dutch Cabinet's response to the policy advice "Unity, diversity and bonding" (PDF, Dutch, 61KB)

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Education

Keywords

Primary education