Special issue editors' introduction: dynamics and diversity: housing careers and segregation of minority ethnic groups

Abstract

Research into European minority ethnic groups has produced a large body of knowledge on the segregation and concentration patterns of these groups and their housing conditions. Most of these studies have shown that housing conditions and housing market options in many European countries differ for native-born households and minority ethnic groups. Also that minority ethnic groups generally live concentrated in a few urban areas, in most cases in those areas that do not have the best quality of housing and environment. In only a few studies is the internal heterogeneity of minority ethnic groups stressed, and only occasionally have the dynamic aspects of concentration patterns and housing conditions been researched. In introducing this special issue on diverse and dynamic aspects of housing and segregation, we focus firstly on what we have learned from previous studies of segregation in the European context and on the questions that have yet to be answered. We then discuss the information provided by studies on the housing conditions and housing careers of minority ethnic groups, again in the European context. Here we also try to identify some major open questions. In the third part, we focus on an explanation of patterns and possible dynamics in this area.

Minority Ethnic Groups in the Dutch Housing Market: Spatial Segregation, Relocation Dynamics and Housing Policy

“…By accessibility we refer to the question of whether households can afford a dwelling, for example. By availability, we assess whether particular types of dwelling are available or within reach in terms of size, price, owner-occupied or rented, or quality (Özüekren and Van Kempen, 2003). Access to particular segments of the housing market for particular groups is determined by specific institutions and the people who function within them.…”

The Interaction of Local Context and Cultural Background: Somalis' Perceived Possibilities in Nordic Capitals' Housing Markets

“…The actual levels of discrimination in the Nordic capitals cannot be determined based on experienced discrimination as restraints in the housing market can be internalised (Ö züekren & van Kempen, 2003). Furthermore, it is not an objective of this study to assess whether the interviewees were rejected because of actual racism and discrimination or owing to other factors that were important to the landlords.…”

“…The household's housing options are determined by a mix of the household's preferences and resources, along with the possibilities and restraints of the housing market that the household is navigating within (Bolt & van Kempen, 2002;Magnusson & Ö züekren, 2002;Ö züekren & van Kempen, 2003). Preferences are shaped by the more general goals that individuals have in life translated into specific housing preferences and negotiated between the members of a household.…”

“…Possibilities and restraints in the housing market are determined on one hand by the resources of the household and on the other by the structures of the local housing market, level of discrimination and the general historical and economic situation at a given point in time. Restraints can be internalised to the extent that only realisable choices are made (Ö züekren & van Kempen, 2003).…”

“…When explaining ethnic minorities' housing experience, some studies put particular weight on constraints and others on choice (Abramsson, 2003;Magnusson & Ö züekren, 2002;Ö züekren & van Kempen, 2002Ö züekren & van Kempen, , 2003. The studies focusing on constraints argue that housing is a scarce resource and that the access of ethnic minorities to this resource is constrained by discrimination and by limited material, cognitive, political and social resources.…”