an article by (David Bartram, University of Leicester, UK) published in Sociology Volume 53 Issue 3 (August 2019)
Abstract
The UK ‘citizenship process’ subjects immigrants to requirements ostensibly intended to enhance their identification with ‘British values’. Policy-makers suggest the policy will facilitate immigrants’ integration: as they learn about ‘life in the UK’, they will become better able to understand and navigate core institutions. Many external observers, by contrast, believe that the requirements exacerbate immigrants’ marginalization.
I use panel data from ‘Understanding Society’ to investigate political participation among non-citizen immigrants at Wave 1, comparing those who became citizens by Wave 6 to those who remained non-citizens. Those who became citizens subsequently reported lower interest in politics, relative to those who remained non-citizens; in addition, they were not more likely to be active in organizations (e.g. political parties and trade unions).
These findings reinforce the concerns of critics: the UK citizenship policy appears to do more to alienate new citizens than it does to facilitate their integration in the political sphere.
Full text (PDF 18pp)
Showing posts with label social_cohesion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label social_cohesion. Show all posts
Thursday, 29 August 2019
Sunday, 19 November 2017
Is the housing market blind to religion? A perceived substitutability approach to homophily and social integration
an article by Nema Dean (University of Glasgow, UK) and Gwilym Pryce (University of Sheffield, UK) published in Urban Studies Volume 54 Issue 13 (2017)
Abstract
Housing markets are unlikely to be impervious to the preferences and prejudices associated with urban segregation.
For example, two neighbourhoods with very different religious attributes are unlikely to be perceived as close substitutes by homebuyers that have a strong preference for neighbours of a particular religion.
This paper offers a new framework for the conception and measurement of social integration, defined in terms of perceived homophily. Homophily is the tendency for links to form between similar nodes in a network and we can think of perceived homophily as the tendency for any pair of neighbourhoods to be considered by the housing market to be close substitutes.
Textbook economic theory suggests that we should expect the degree of perceived substitutability to affect cross-price elasticities. These can be measured empirically to reveal discontinuities in the network of perceived substitutability of different housing locations. Applying homophily coefficients to substitutability measures allows us to estimate perceived religious homophily between neighbourhoods.
The approach can be applied to any city or region that has geocoded house transactions and socio-demographic data. We illustrate the method using data on Glasgow and find strong evidence of religious homophily.
This suggests an underlying lack of social integration/cohesion and implies that the Glaswegian housing market is by no means blind to religion.
Full text (PDF)
Abstract
Housing markets are unlikely to be impervious to the preferences and prejudices associated with urban segregation.
For example, two neighbourhoods with very different religious attributes are unlikely to be perceived as close substitutes by homebuyers that have a strong preference for neighbours of a particular religion.
This paper offers a new framework for the conception and measurement of social integration, defined in terms of perceived homophily. Homophily is the tendency for links to form between similar nodes in a network and we can think of perceived homophily as the tendency for any pair of neighbourhoods to be considered by the housing market to be close substitutes.
Textbook economic theory suggests that we should expect the degree of perceived substitutability to affect cross-price elasticities. These can be measured empirically to reveal discontinuities in the network of perceived substitutability of different housing locations. Applying homophily coefficients to substitutability measures allows us to estimate perceived religious homophily between neighbourhoods.
The approach can be applied to any city or region that has geocoded house transactions and socio-demographic data. We illustrate the method using data on Glasgow and find strong evidence of religious homophily.
This suggests an underlying lack of social integration/cohesion and implies that the Glaswegian housing market is by no means blind to religion.
Full text (PDF)
Tuesday, 29 November 2016
Religious Diversity and the Challenge of Social Inclusion
an article by Gary Bouma published in Social Inclusion Volume 4 Number 2 (2016)
Abstract
As societies have become religiously diverse in ways and extents not familiar in the recent histories of most, the issues of how to include this diversity and how to manage it, that is, questions about how to be a religiously diverse society have come to the fore.
As a result religion has become part of the social policy conversation in new ways.
It has also occasioned new thinking about religions, their forms and the complexity of ways they are negotiated by adherents and the ways they are related to society, the state and each other.
This issue of Social Inclusion explores these issues of social inclusion in both particular settings and in cross-national comparative studies by presenting research and critical thought on this critical issue facing every society today.
Full text (PDF download)
Abstract
As societies have become religiously diverse in ways and extents not familiar in the recent histories of most, the issues of how to include this diversity and how to manage it, that is, questions about how to be a religiously diverse society have come to the fore.
As a result religion has become part of the social policy conversation in new ways.
It has also occasioned new thinking about religions, their forms and the complexity of ways they are negotiated by adherents and the ways they are related to society, the state and each other.
This issue of Social Inclusion explores these issues of social inclusion in both particular settings and in cross-national comparative studies by presenting research and critical thought on this critical issue facing every society today.
Full text (PDF download)
Thursday, 9 May 2013
Risk, responsibilities and rights: Reassessing the ‘economic causes of crime’ thesis in a recession
an article by Ross Fergusson (Open University, Milton Keynes, UK) published in Youth Justice Volume 13 Number 1 (April 2013)
Abstract
This article explores competing accounts of an apparent inversion of the previously prevailing relationship between young people’s unemployment and the incidence of youth offending at a time of economic recession.
It begins by highlighting the faltering association between unemployment and offending, and considers the paradoxical implications for risk-based methodologies in youth justice practice. The article then assesses explanations for the changing relationship that suggest that youth justice policies have successfully broken the unemployment–offending link; and alternatively that delayed effects of recession have yet to materialise, by reference to the work of four inter-governmental organisations and to youth protests beyond the UK.
In place of ever more intensive risk analyses, the article then focuses on the adverse effects of unemployment on social cohesion, and proposes a rights-based approach to youth justice that recognizes the growing disjuncture between the rights afforded to young people and the responsibilities expected of them.
Abstract
This article explores competing accounts of an apparent inversion of the previously prevailing relationship between young people’s unemployment and the incidence of youth offending at a time of economic recession.
It begins by highlighting the faltering association between unemployment and offending, and considers the paradoxical implications for risk-based methodologies in youth justice practice. The article then assesses explanations for the changing relationship that suggest that youth justice policies have successfully broken the unemployment–offending link; and alternatively that delayed effects of recession have yet to materialise, by reference to the work of four inter-governmental organisations and to youth protests beyond the UK.
In place of ever more intensive risk analyses, the article then focuses on the adverse effects of unemployment on social cohesion, and proposes a rights-based approach to youth justice that recognizes the growing disjuncture between the rights afforded to young people and the responsibilities expected of them.
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Skills Inequality, Adult Learning and Social Cohesion In The United Kingdom
an article by Jan Germen Janmaat and Andy Green (Institute of Education, University of London, UK) published in British Journal of Educational Studies Volume 61 Issue 1 (March 2013)
Abstract
In this article we argue that the legitimacy and stability of the social and political order in Britain is undermined by persistent inequalities of skills and opportunities.
We first contend that British society is characterised by a liberal régime of social cohesion.
Crucial to such a régime is the belief in individual opportunity and rewards based on merit.
We demonstrate, through comparative analysis, that skills inequality is actually higher and social mobility lower in Britain than in other western countries. Also the perception of equal opportunities is lower.
In Britain there is thus a mismatch between the cherished ideal of meritocracy and the reality of a stratified society, both objectively and perceived.
This, we postulate, is likely to contribute to the political alienation of disadvantaged groups.
We argue that in theory adult learning could reduce the skills gap but that in reality it only magnifies skills inequality since in Britain the well educated and people in work have higher participation rates than the poorly educated and unemployed.
Abstract
In this article we argue that the legitimacy and stability of the social and political order in Britain is undermined by persistent inequalities of skills and opportunities.
We first contend that British society is characterised by a liberal régime of social cohesion.
Crucial to such a régime is the belief in individual opportunity and rewards based on merit.
We demonstrate, through comparative analysis, that skills inequality is actually higher and social mobility lower in Britain than in other western countries. Also the perception of equal opportunities is lower.
In Britain there is thus a mismatch between the cherished ideal of meritocracy and the reality of a stratified society, both objectively and perceived.
This, we postulate, is likely to contribute to the political alienation of disadvantaged groups.
We argue that in theory adult learning could reduce the skills gap but that in reality it only magnifies skills inequality since in Britain the well educated and people in work have higher participation rates than the poorly educated and unemployed.
Monday, 9 July 2012
Social Polarisation, the Labour Market and Economic Restructuring in Europe: An Urban Perspective
an article by Jonathan Pratschke (University of Salerno, Italy) and Enrica Morlicchio (University of Naples, Italy) published in Urban Studies Volume 49 Number 9 (July 2012)
Abstract
It is frequently argued that changes in the occupational structure and labour markets of European cities have the potential to undermine social cohesion.
The term ‘social polarisation’ has been widely employed to characterise this effect, either in a broadly descriptive manner or in line with specific hypotheses.
In the first part of this article, alternative definitions are reviewed and the results of empirical research on social polarisation are summarised. Some of its limitations are discussed and its theoretical origins explored.
In the second part, attention is turned to the ‘mechanisms’ driving change in workplaces and urban labour markets in Europe. It is argued that an accurate account of changing occupational structures and labour markets in European cities – and a balanced assessment of their consequences for social cohesion – can only be obtained by building up a complex and carefully contextualised analysis of the ways in which these ‘mechanisms’ interact in different cities.
Abstract
It is frequently argued that changes in the occupational structure and labour markets of European cities have the potential to undermine social cohesion.
The term ‘social polarisation’ has been widely employed to characterise this effect, either in a broadly descriptive manner or in line with specific hypotheses.
In the first part of this article, alternative definitions are reviewed and the results of empirical research on social polarisation are summarised. Some of its limitations are discussed and its theoretical origins explored.
In the second part, attention is turned to the ‘mechanisms’ driving change in workplaces and urban labour markets in Europe. It is argued that an accurate account of changing occupational structures and labour markets in European cities – and a balanced assessment of their consequences for social cohesion – can only be obtained by building up a complex and carefully contextualised analysis of the ways in which these ‘mechanisms’ interact in different cities.
Friday, 6 July 2012
Socio-spatial Inequalities and Social Cohesion in European Cities
an article by Tim Cassiers and Christian Kesteloot (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium) published in Urban Studies Volume 49 Number 9 (July 2012)
Abstract
This paper addresses the increasing socio-spatial inequalities in European cities and their impact on the possibilities for fostering social cohesion.
Many policy programmes tackle spatial unevenness in order to build more cohesive communities. These policies have some impact, but their effect on reducing inequalities at city level is limited.
Therefore, an important question is how the overall socio-spatial organisation of European cities affects social cohesion and the capacity to form an urban community able to decide on a common future.
First, the complex relation between present-day societal and spatial dynamics is discussed, asserting that it produces segregation. The second part reflects on how segregation is regarded in terms of social cohesion. Many authors stress the social innovative capacities within segregated areas.
However, European cities display different socio-spatial structures. How these structures influence negotiation processes between different social groups is poorly treated. The last part of the paper addresses this issue.
Abstract
This paper addresses the increasing socio-spatial inequalities in European cities and their impact on the possibilities for fostering social cohesion.
Many policy programmes tackle spatial unevenness in order to build more cohesive communities. These policies have some impact, but their effect on reducing inequalities at city level is limited.
Therefore, an important question is how the overall socio-spatial organisation of European cities affects social cohesion and the capacity to form an urban community able to decide on a common future.
First, the complex relation between present-day societal and spatial dynamics is discussed, asserting that it produces segregation. The second part reflects on how segregation is regarded in terms of social cohesion. Many authors stress the social innovative capacities within segregated areas.
However, European cities display different socio-spatial structures. How these structures influence negotiation processes between different social groups is poorly treated. The last part of the paper addresses this issue.
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
Social Cohesion: A Conceptual and Political Elucidation
an article by Andreas Novy and Daniela Coimbra Swiatek (Institute for the Environment and Regional Development, Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration) and Frank Moulaert (Department of Architecture, Urban Design and Regional Planning, KU Leuven, Belgium) published in Urban Studies Volume 49 Number 9 (July 2012)
Abstract
This article aims to clarify the concept of social cohesion by embedding it within a dynamic, multiscalar and complex understanding of socioeconomic development in the city.
Section 1 gives a European perspective on the relationship between differing views of social cohesion and urban policy and how its relation to competitiveness is inherent to contemporary EU cohesion discourse. It examines the ambiguity of policy orientations that seek an answer to this failing functionalisation.
Section 2 unravels the complexity and multidimensionality of social cohesion as a problématique. It systematises social cohesion as an ‘open concept’, distinguishing between its socioeconomic, cultural, ecological and political dimensions.
Section 3 offers ways of accommodating the tensions and contradictions between cohesion and competitiveness inherent in capitalist market economies, and argues in favour of a progressive neo-structuralist approach, capable of laying out policies to make cities more inclusive for all inhabitants in all their uniqueness and diversity.
Abstract
This article aims to clarify the concept of social cohesion by embedding it within a dynamic, multiscalar and complex understanding of socioeconomic development in the city.
Section 1 gives a European perspective on the relationship between differing views of social cohesion and urban policy and how its relation to competitiveness is inherent to contemporary EU cohesion discourse. It examines the ambiguity of policy orientations that seek an answer to this failing functionalisation.
Section 2 unravels the complexity and multidimensionality of social cohesion as a problématique. It systematises social cohesion as an ‘open concept’, distinguishing between its socioeconomic, cultural, ecological and political dimensions.
Section 3 offers ways of accommodating the tensions and contradictions between cohesion and competitiveness inherent in capitalist market economies, and argues in favour of a progressive neo-structuralist approach, capable of laying out policies to make cities more inclusive for all inhabitants in all their uniqueness and diversity.
Monday, 2 July 2012
Cities, Social Cohesion and the Environment: Towards a Future Research Agenda
an article by Ian R. Cook (Department of Social Sciences, Northumbria University) and Erik Swyngedouw (School of Environment and Development, University of Manchester) published in Urban Studies Volume 49 Number 9 (July 2012)
Abstract
It will be argued in this paper that the problematic of social cohesion is also one of socio-ecological cohesion whereby the urbanisation of nature and its socio-environmentally enabling and disabling conditions are key processes.
By viewing the contradictions of the urbanisation process as intrinsically socio-ecological ones, the terrain of social cohesion is shifted both epistemologically and politically.
The paper critically examines three contemporary schools of thought that consider in different ways the relationship between cities, social cohesion and the environment. It begins with a critical examination of the notion of urban sustainability. The paper will then move on to consider two approaches that emphasise issues of (in)equality and (in)justice in the urban environment, those of environmental justice and urban political ecology.
The final part of the paper pinpoints four areas of research that urban researchers must examine if we are to understand more fully – and act more politically on – the nexus between cities, social cohesion and the environment.
Hazel’s comment:
I dithered about including this as “careers information” even with my broad definition of “this is something that a careers/employment adviser would be pleased to know about”.
Then I realised that without social cohesion and social justice prevailing then there is little chance of equitable opportunities for the people!
Abstract
It will be argued in this paper that the problematic of social cohesion is also one of socio-ecological cohesion whereby the urbanisation of nature and its socio-environmentally enabling and disabling conditions are key processes.
By viewing the contradictions of the urbanisation process as intrinsically socio-ecological ones, the terrain of social cohesion is shifted both epistemologically and politically.
The paper critically examines three contemporary schools of thought that consider in different ways the relationship between cities, social cohesion and the environment. It begins with a critical examination of the notion of urban sustainability. The paper will then move on to consider two approaches that emphasise issues of (in)equality and (in)justice in the urban environment, those of environmental justice and urban political ecology.
The final part of the paper pinpoints four areas of research that urban researchers must examine if we are to understand more fully – and act more politically on – the nexus between cities, social cohesion and the environment.
Hazel’s comment:
I dithered about including this as “careers information” even with my broad definition of “this is something that a careers/employment adviser would be pleased to know about”.
Then I realised that without social cohesion and social justice prevailing then there is little chance of equitable opportunities for the people!
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