Living together in multi-ethnic neighbourhoods : : the meaning of public spaces for issues of social integration / / Karin Peters.

• Author: Peters, Karin, 1970-
• Year of Publication: 2011
• Language: English
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (220 p.)
• Notes: Originally presented as the author's thesis (doctoral)--Wageningen University, 2011.; Includes summary (p. 237-249).

In Western societies, such as the Netherlands, people with different ethnic backgrounds live together in urban areas. This book examines daily life in multi-ethnic neighbourhoods and the meaning of public spaces for social integration. Through observations and interviews in two Dutch cities (Nijmegen and Utrecht) insight is gained into the use and perception of public spaces. Positive experiences in public spaces contribute to feeling at home in a multi-ethnic neighbourhood. Not only intense and lasting contacts, but also fleeting interactions contribute to feeling at home. -- back cover.

Table of Contents

Pt. I. Setting the scene -- 1. Introduction -- 2. Dutch society : issues of migration, social integration, leisure and the neighbourhood -- Pt. II. Theoreticl perspective -- 3. Leisure, identity and social integration -- 4. urban public spaces and social integration -- Pt. III. The research context -- 5. Methodology and methods -- 6. Case study descriptions -- Pt. IV. Everyday life in Nijmegen and Utrecht -- 7. Narratives of public spaces -- 8. Connecting being in public space and everyday multicultural life in a neighbourhood -- Pt. V. Discussion and conclusion -- 9. Connecting space and social integration.