Urban Economic Restructuring and Ethnic Segregation in Düsseldorf

Abstract

Ethnic segregation remains a conflicting issue and an important factor in understanding the dynamics of ethnically pluralistic cities. The question of segregation is seen in a widened context of the post-Fordist urban restructuring process. Ethnic minorities are facing growing social polarization trends. Because of severe qualification deficienaes g they are threatened by a growingmismatch on the labour market. Segregation in schools is seen as a factor diminishin achievement in the educational system and prospects on the labour market. A multi-level longitudinal analysis documents for Diisseldorf varying segregation patterns with relatively high spatial stability over time. The housing market i s seen as the determining factor of segregation.

On the social significance of spatial location; Spatial segregation and social inclusion

“…The lack of interaction with pupils of the host society may not only hamper the command of the majority language but may also limit contact with the mainstream culture of the host society. According to Glebe (1997), this may lead to intra-ethnic retreat and diminishing chances of integration.…”

Social geography

“…It included colour maps of minority distributions in Brussels (Kesteloot and van der Hagen, 1997) (why cannot British journals do this?). Other articles included were Glebe (1997) on Dusseldorf, Musterd and Duerloo (1997) on Amsterdam, van Kempen and van Weesep (1997) on Dutch cities in general and Peach (1997) on pluralism versus assimilation in London. An even more ambitious survey of segregation in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Britain, Sweden, France and Canada was produced by three Dutch researchers (Musterd et al, 1998) There was also a book on segregation in French cities by Brun and Rhein (1994).…”