Integration Of Ethnic Minorities Research Articles

Inclusive Merchandising. A Storyteller for an Accessible University

Following recent social and global transformations, cultural organizations have undergone a major redefinition in their role as keepers and promoters of knowledge and heritage, developing virtuous examples and reference models for the free, open, and autonomous enjoyment of all audiences. This contribution - contextualized in a current doctoral research on the enhancement of cultural heritage, promotion of institutional and territorial identities - is presented as a reflection on the recent awareness and attention to the issues of inclusiveness and accessibility in places of culture, especially higher education institutions. Through an analytical work on numerous university case studies, focused on institutional merchandising products, it was possible to outline common attitudes and effective communication strategies that promote core values related to multiculturalism, body positivity, gender equality, women’s empowerment, and integration of ethnic minorities.

The same social elevator? Intergenerational class mobility of second-generation immigrants across Europe

Abstract Ethnicity and social class are two of the main axes stratifying life chances in developed societies. Nevertheless, knowledge of the integration of ethnic minorities into the pattern of class reproduction remains incipient as evidence stems mostly from studies concentrating on specific ethnicities or single host countries. This article advances this knowledge by providing a comparative perspective on the intergenerational occupational mobility of second-generation immigrants and the majority population across 26 European countries. Drawing on pooled data from the European Social Survey (2004–2018), the article demonstrates that ethnic penalties arise for employment and occupational mobility in many countries, however, with crucial differences across and—to a smaller extent—within major country groups. Across countries, ethnic barriers for the second generation are connected to their social integration in the host society and the composition of the first migrant generation, emphasizing the importance of familial and social support for social advancement. By contrast, I detect no link between anti-immigration norms and ethnic penalties, and only mixed evidence for the role of integration policy. The article concludes that ‘ethnicity matters’ in many European societies, even if ethnic cleavages vary according to the composition of migrant populations and the context in the host society.

The creation of the geographical space of Xanadu of the Yuan Dynasty and the establishment of a unified multiethnic state

From the establishment of a seat of government by Kublai Khan, Emperor Shizu of the Yuan Dynasty, at his residence at Jinlianchuan Prairie to the construction of the city of Kaiping, and from thence to the establishment of Kaiping as Xanadu, the northern capital of the Yuan Dynasty, a series of pivotal historical events influencing trends within the Yuan Empire took place in this steppe city. Shizu ultimately chose to implement a two-capital system, traveling back and forth between Xanadu and Khanbaliq to handle court administration and attend simultaneously to the needs of the Central Plains and the grasslands. By means of this structure, the Mongolian rulers declared their ownership of the territories of the Central Plains as well as the steppe, establishing their dominance and control by means of a ceremonial symbol. Analyzing the political and historical significance of this geographical space from Kaiping to Xanadu makes it clear that this region was an important historical artifact for the evolution of the Chinese people as an ethnic community with pluralistic unity. That the Yuan Dynasty achieved the integration of ethnic minorities and Han Chinese as one family as well as territorial unification represents a great step forward in Chinese history.

Is sport's ‘gateway for inclusion’ on the latch for ethnic minorities? A discourse analysis of sport policy for inclusion and integration

Scholars have increasingly called for the need to problematise and critically examine sport policy for integration/inclusion. This article aims to contribute to this ongoing debate by presenting a Foucauldian-inspired discourse analysis of the languaging of three decades of Norwegian sport policy for integration/inclusion, as well as non-sport policy that seeks to use sport as a policy tool. The analysis demonstrates how ideas and practices about the integration of ethnic minorities in sport are constructed in the shadows of the ‘real business’ of sport. Self-evident ‘Truths’ about inclusion/integration convey simplistic notions of assimilation into existing sport practices, reify notions of homogenous groups both with regard to the majority and the ethnic minority Norwegian population, distributing power unequally across the majority–minority divide, and contribute to construct sport as a racially coded, Eurocentric practice. The pervasive, long-standing idea that sport is inclusive works discursively to marginalise contradictory ideas, such as the complexities of integration that focus upon the need for a transformation of structures and practices, and ‘Truths’ like resourceful ethnic minorities or an adaptable sports organisation remain currently almost unthinkable. The analysis bears witness to scholars’ claims for the need to broaden research methodologies and policies for integration in/through sport, such that inequitable, Eurocentric, assimilated practices can be re-languaged to enable hybrid, transnational sports spaces frequented by resourceful participants.

PROBLEMS AND PECULIARITIES OF THE INTEGRATION OF ETHNIC MINORITIES INTO THE ARMENIAN SOCIETY ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE ASSYRIANS

In the context of the current, in general, extremely problematic situation with the integration of ethnic minorities that have appeared on the territory of certain countries, both as a result of recent migrations (European countries) and traditionally living on their territory (the states of the post-Soviet space, Asia, and also, with some reservations, USA), the positive experience in this regard looks especially relevant. Armenia, being presented in common discourse as a mono-ethnic state, however, not only has a number of ethnic minorities on its territory, but also is the very example of their successful integration within the framework of a single social structure and a single state. In this regard, the relevance of our research is seen in understanding the self-identification and self-perception of the ethnic minorities of the Republic of Armenia in this capacity, on the one hand, and as citizens of the republic, on the other. We have studied this problem through consideration of the self-description of these communities and their historical memory. This research, being part of a larger project, is directly dedicated to the self-identification of the Assyrian ethnic minority of the Republic of Armenia. As sources, the author used interviews with secular and religious leaders of the Assyrian community in Armenia (see “Applications”), as well as publications in the media and thematic publics of the community on social networks.

Ethnic inequalities in the transition from education to work: a longitudinal analysis of school, college and university graduates

ABSTRACT Each year, students graduate from schools, colleges and universities. Some find a job quickly – others do not. Delays in the transition from education to work have been associated with scarring effects and detrimental effects on later employment and career progression. Increasing numbers of graduates from universities and colleges are descendants of immigrants. The labour market performance of children of immigrants arguably constitutes an important test of the long-term structural integration of ethnic minorities. Using comprehensive Norwegian administrative data on complete birth cohorts, we apply discrete time hazard regression to examine ethnic inequalities in relative transition rates from education to work, comparing majority graduates to 10 groups of Norwegian-born second-generation immigrants from the 1973 to 1997 birth cohorts (N = 964,450 persons with 1,901,171 person-years). We find clear evidence of ethnic inequalities in transition rates, where children of immigrants or African origin fare the worst. Second, the overall patterns mostly remain unaffected when adjusted for factors like educational field, marriage status, children and parental background. Third, we find that the minority disadvantages are less marked at lower levels of education for some groups.

National Security Problems Related To Ethno-religious Groups In The South Caucasus (Georgian Case)

Georgia is a polyethnic country. Armenians, Azeris, Russians, Greeks, Kurds, Kists, Dagestanis and other ethnic-confessional groups live next to Georgians. Thus, the traditions of inter-ethnic relations have a long history in Georgia.
 Multiethnicity is one of the most important factors in the democratic development of a society, but in certain geopolitical conditions it can also be dangerous. For centuries, the invaders pursued anti-Georgian demographicpolicies in Georgia, compactly displacing members of other ethnic groups to the border areas of states inhabited by the same ethnic group, and deliberately creating micro-islands of ethnic minorities. It is in these two micro-islands that conflict has already erupted, while the other two regions carry the risk of the conflict.
 Identifying the risks facing the state, justifying the need for preventive measures, and integrating ethno-religious minorities into the common state is the main task of our research.
 The methodological basis of the research is the universal scientific principles of objectivity, comprehensiveness and systematics, historical-comparative and historical-typological methods.
 The factual materials presented in the article make clear the factors hindering the general state integration, the problems related to the functioning of the state language, the different foreign policy orientations of the ethnic groups.
 The article highlights the qualitative issues of integration of ethnic minorities in Georgia, strengthening the teaching of the state language, protection of cultural values of ethno-religious minorities, raising the degree of their involvement in public, political and cultural life.

Some Important Factors Hindering the Civic Integration of Ethnic Minorities

The purpose of this article is to compile and group the list of problems that hinder the integration of ethnic minorities in the political, economic and cultural life of the country, based on research conducted by various organizations over the past 10 yearს. According to these studies, the main problem is, on the one hand, the language barrier and, on the other hand, ethnic-nationalist tendencies and stereotypes. These national mythologies and notions play one of the crucial roles in the formation of national self-identification. Ethno-nationalist tendencies are strong both in minorities and in ethnic Georgians. There are several factors behind the emergence of the ethnonationalism in Georgia First of all, it is the legacy of Soviet totalitarianism, as well as the result of the current socio-political situation. Understanding these two factors will give us a better answer as to why ethnic-nationalist sentiments are still prevailing in Georgia and why the integration of the ethnic minorities is hindered, despite being repeatedly declared by the state. The language barrier of ethnic minorities is also an important problem in the process of integration into society. The education system should make the knowledge of the state language accessible to ethnic minorities and, at the same time, ensure the protection of minority languages. To do this, the state must maximize and encourage local staff; The general system of education should ensure the upbringing of the citizen of the country and not put any group (even the majority) in an advantageous situation. show the advantage of any (even the majority) group.

Developing a conceptual framework towards promoting a socially inclusive Hong Kong

ABSTRAC An empirically driven consolidated framework is needed to help navigate the development of social inclusion of South Asian and Southeast Asian ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. A qualitative pilot study with 11 individuals, who were social service providers and religious and ethnic community leaders from diverse ethnic backgrounds, was conducted to collect their perceptions of how existing policies affect the social integration of ethnic minorities and propose policy implications in Hong Kong. Thematic analysis was conducted suggesting two broad themes: 1) integration of social harmony and social justice, and 2) articulation of participation in political process and policymaking.

Migration, Class Attainment and Social Mobility: An Analysis of Migrants’ Socio-Economic Integration in Italy

AbstractThis article focuses on the socio-economic integration of ethnic minorities in Italy, combining the literature on migration with research on social stratification. We analyse the ethnic penalty on occupational attainment and career mobility, integrating the origin–education–destination theoretical framework with the migration status. Since ethnic penalty is an ‘umbrella concept’, we also quantify the extent to which it is mediated by differences in education and social origin. Furthermore, adopting a diachronic view of migrants’ class attainment, we verify whether the post-migration downgrading is followed by a recovery during the career, considering also mobility within the working class (standard and non-standard). Our analyses are based on the Multipurpose Survey on Households and Social Condition and Integration of Foreign Citizens. The results show that migrants are penalized in the Italian labour market, remaining largely ‘trapped’ in the working class. This inclusion at the bottom of the class structure reduces their heterogeneity by education and by social origin. Moreover, their penalty increases during the career, except when they move from the non-standard to the standard working class. Finally, we find that the ‘unexplained’ component of ethnic penalty, net of education and social origin, is substantial and increases from the first to the current job.

Utilizing Facebook for professional integration of three ethnic groups in Israel

This study proposes a conceptual model for utilization of Facebook for professional integration of ethnic minorities, based on the social capital and weak social ties theories. In particular, the research focuses on differences among ethnic groups of Facebook users in their willingness to create intergroup work relations and its various influence factors. A designated questionnaire was composed and administered to 120 subjects from three ethnic groups in Israel: Jewish, Muslim-Arab and Druze. We found that the proportion of intergroup professional relations was higher on Facebook than in the offline workspace in all three groups. There were numerous differences between the three examined groups: self-disclosure was significantly higher for Druze and Jewish users than for the Arab users, while the willingness to create intergroup professional connections was much higher for the two minorities than for the Jewish users. This study contributes to understanding the factors that influence social network behaviour of different ethnic groups. Our results indicate that social networking sites can catalyse creation of intergroup professional relations. Utilization of social networking sites as a platform for professional promotion might constitute a first step in the process of professional and cultural integration of minorities in the ethnically heterogeneous society.

Multicultural Values in the Noble Quran and the Prophet Muhammad’s (S) Sunnah (The Prophet's tradition)

As we know, multiculturalism denotes a society in which many different cultures co exist. It is a concept aimed at the preservation and development of the cultural diversity of people of different ethnicities and faiths in any country and in the world as a whole and the ethnocultural integration of ethnic minorities. As a crossroads of different civilisations, our ancient homeland Azerbaijan has, for centuries, been known as a country with an established atmosphere of ethnocultural diversity where representatives of different ethnic groups and faiths have lived in an environment of peace, tranquillity and mutual understanding. Multiculturalism and tolerance have historically been a way of life of Azerbaijanis, and today it has become a way of life of every citizen of the Azerbaijani state regardless of their national identity, language or religion. The rich multicultural past of the Azerbaijani people has survived not only in today’s tolerant lifestyle of our people, but also in the literary-artistic, scientificphilosophical and political-legal sources and documents created by our people. In the broad sense, the essence of multiculturalism is that the state does not discriminate against individuals or social groups representing different and unique cultures, does not regard any of them superior or inferior to the others, and grants equal rights to representatives of all cultures.

The Mismanaged Integration of Ethnic Minorities in Bulgaria

This article delves into the intricate, and often inconsistent, worlds of Bulgarian government policies towards ethnic minorities, in particular towards the Roma, after 1989. The author begins with an overview of the ‘ethnic model’ embedded at present in the country’s political system. Then he discusses the integration policies of Bulgarian governments after the fall of communism. His conclusion is that the lack of political will of the ruling parties represents the biggest obstacle to the integration of minorities. Anti-discrimination legislation is plagued by inconsistencies and problems related to its implementation. Despite some moderate progress, state policies continue to lack vision, direction and effective monitoring mechanisms. The representatives of minorities are still, for the most part, ignored in the process of tailoring and implementation of programmes.

Examining the Challenges of Integration in Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia: Using the Structured Democratic Dialogue Process as a Tool

The purpose of this study is to investigate ways to identify the challenges of integration of minority groups, such as migrants, ethnic/racial minorities, and refugees in Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia by using the Structured Democratic Dialogue (SDD) as a participatory methodology. This particular method was selected for this study with the purpose to bring all identified stakeholders in the society together to collaboratively and collectively identify and further discuss the challenges and obstacles they face. The Co-laboratory brought together twelve participants with a diverse socio-economical and educational background in Vasa, Finland. Based on the influence map generated by the participants as a result of the workshop, social inclusion was revealed to be one of the most important indicators hindering the integration of minority groups at the local level. In particular, silent acceptance of racism or racist comments were according to the participants the most influential factor preventing the successful integration of ethnic minorities in Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia.

Parliamentary politics as an integration mechanism: The Slavic-speaking inhabitants of interwar (1922–1940) Western Greek Macedonia

ABSTRACTThis article is a case study on how Parliamentary politics could operate in favour of the integration of ethnic minorities into the nation-state. The incorporation of the largest part of the region of Macedonia into the Greek State after the Balkan Wars (1912–1913) led to radical changes in the lives of the Slavic-speaking villagers of Greece (‘Slavic-speakers’ is a term used in this paper so as to describe the inhabitants of Macedonia who had a Slavic language as their mother tongue. Often, in the Greek newspapers of the time the language was referred to as Macedonian or local Macedonian. It was similar to the Bulgarian language but could also be understood in Serbia). Up to 1936, local politicians’ approach of peaceful integration through prosperity and fair administration prevailed but in 1936, parliamentary democracy was abolished and ceased to function as a mechanism for integrating Slavic-speaking villagers into Greek society.

English Canadians’ cultural stereotypes of ethnic minority groups: Implications of stereotype content for acculturation ideologies and immigration attitudes

This study examined English Canadians’ stereotypes concerning eight ethnic minority groups and the implications of these stereotypes for ideologies regarding the acculturation of those ethnic groups in Canadian society as well as attitudes regarding immigration to Canada more generally. Questionnaires were collected from 129 English-speaking European Canadians measuring stereotypes and acculturation ideologies toward each of the eight ethnic minority groups, and a general immigration attitudes measure. Results indicated that ethnic minority groups cluster together based on varying degrees of competence and warmth stereotypes, with some groups being perceived ambivalently. Specifically, Chinese and French Canadians were perceived as high in competence and moderate in warmth, but the converse was true for Jamaicans and Filipinos. East Indians, Pakistanis, and Somalis were perceived as moderate and Aboriginal Canadians as low in warmth and competence. Perceived normative beliefs about status and competition were associated with both competence and warmth of the ethnic groups. Stronger perceived competence of and lower perceived competition from the ethnic groups were directly associated with greater support of immigration and indirectly associated with stronger orientation towards integration of ethnic minorities into Canadian society. The results are discussed with regards to better understanding the intricacies of stereotype content, as well as the importance of stereotypes in encouraging integration of ethnic minorities in multicultural societies.

Survival against the Odds: The Baltic States at 100

This essay examines how Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have managed to secure their independence and analyzes how they have dealt with the internal and external challenges to their state-building efforts. It compares the first period of statehood between the two world wars with the current period of independence beginning with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Among the critical external tasks they have faced were deterring former imperial powers, fostering regional cooperation and gaining a voice in international organizations. Internally, consolidating democratic systems and integration of ethnic minorities have been the two most significant challenges.

Invisible boundaries within the middle class and the construction of ethnic identity

ABSTRACTThis article explores the integration of ethnic minorities into the middle class in a novel way. Current literature examines the existence of boundaries and the ways they construct ethnic identifications through visible acts. One line of research perceives the middle class as a homogenizing platform that lowers residential segregation and labor market discrimination, while another demonstrates how stereotypes and an occupational glass ceiling continue to operate, reinforcing minorities’ ethnic identifications. By contrast, this article demonstrates the significance of invisible boundaries for the study of ethnicity in the middle class. I center on the ways whereby microaggression, namely tacit everyday insults, signifies an ethnic difference between middle-class adolescents. Analyzing adolescents’ narratives shows how the classification of spaces has given rise in minority adolescents to inner experiences of incongruence and subordination. By constructing an ethnic identity that prevents adolescents perceiving themselves as middle-class subjects, invisible boundaries reinforce the ethno-class order.

What contributes to ethnic minorities’ identification with Hong Kong? The cases of South Asian and Filipino youth

ABSTRACTThe context of Hong Kong has not always been favourable for the integration of ethnic minorities, who face various difficulties in education, employment, and daily life. Research, however, has shown that many minorities, particularly the youth, have developed a fair sense of belonging to the city. To explore this puzzle, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 South Asian and Filipino youth and identified four main factors that may be associated with their local identification. They are (1) experiencing less discrimination, (2) achieving a higher level of sociocultural adaptation, (3) having an inclusive conception of Hong Kong identity, and (4) claiming to have received more social benefits. The findings suggest that the context of Hong Kong is not entirely detrimental for ethnic minorities to develop a local identification. Ethnic minorities themselves are also active agents in the construction of identity. Theoretical and policy implications of the findings are discussed.

Enacting and resisting the politics of belonging through leisure. The debate about gender-segregated swimming sessions targeting Muslim women in Denmark

ABSTRACTIn 2016 women-only swimming sessions targeting Muslims made the headlines in the Danish media, precipitating great discussion about whether such sessions contributed to or impeded social integration. This article focuses on the debate in the city council of Aarhus concerning women-only swimming activities that had existed for 10 years and had been well attended. Yet, after a year of discussion, the city council voted for a municipality-wide ban on women-only swimming during public opening hours. The popularity and longevity of the sessions pose the question: Why and how has women-only swimming become a ‘problem’, in other words a leisure time physical activity that challenges current discourses on immigration and integration? The debate on women-only swimming is an interesting case to study as it testifies not only to an increasing focus on the civic integration of ethnic minorities, including their leisure practices, but also to strong resistance by the general public and the women affected. Drawing on a postcolonial feminist perspective, our analysis shows how perceptions of Danishness, gender equality and non-religious leisure become central arguments in the debate, pointing to various ways in which understandings of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion and nation intersect in the current restrictive politics of belonging.