Social integration of ethnic groups in Europe. How can concepts of place and territoriality help explain processes, policies and problems of socially integrating different ethnic groups in a European context?

Abstract

International migration is changing the spatial and social topography of European cities. This paper represents an attempt to apply concepts of place and territoriality to the issue of integration of ethnic groups into a European context. Based on three examples from Oslo, Paris and Duisburg it is argued that the place concepts of location, locale and sense of place can provide a comprehensive framework for understanding current processes and problems regarding integration. The concept of territoriality directs attention to the different readings of integration, which, from the perspective of the host population aims at assimilation. From the perspective of the immigrant population on the other hand territoriality is concerned with internal control, resulting in segregation.