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European cities are increasingly faced with the challenge of integrating people from very diverse... more European cities are increasingly faced with the challenge of integrating people from very diverse backgrounds. As migrant populations increase, so do the opportunities for new business, job creation and international competitiveness. This report shows that ethnic entrepreneurs, however small their venture, contribute to the economic growth of their local area, often rejuvenate neglected crafts and trades, and participate increasingly in the provision of higher value-added services. They can help to promote stronger trading links with their home countries and foster social cohesion in their host communities. The report examines what city authorities are doing to attract ethnic entrepreneurs into their established business communities, and to facilitate the business environment – from the purely financial to providing training and advice.
During a brief stay in the Netherlands, the American scholar John Mollenkopf was surprised by the... more During a brief stay in the Netherlands, the American scholar John Mollenkopf was surprised by the similarities and differences between the situations in Amsterdam and New York. His observations served as the basis for a lecture and then an article entitled: ‘Assimilating Immigrants in Amsterdam. A Perspective from New York’. The subtitle is telling, and the article discusses the process of assimilation (sic!) as seen through the eyes of a scholar from New York. He observes and notices various phenomena and puts them in a perspective as only an outsider would. For Dutch researchers, his observations and analyses are challenging, because he does not take the standard routes. Mollenkopf is brave or naive (?), and deliberately takes the risk misinterpreting things. Yet, his article, imperfect as it may be, is thought-provoking and therefore worthwhile. It inevitably provokes interesting discussions.
This is why the editorial board of the Netherlands’ Journal of Social Sciences has decided to include his article in the current issue. To promote the discussion, a number of international scholars have been invited to write their critical comments, each from their own perspective. They address the merits of Mollenkopf’s analyses and highlight the significance and complexity of international comparative study.
All of the authors acknowledge the relevance of Mollenkopf’s work and appreciate his contribution. But they also have theirquestions and doubts. Robert Kloosterman suggests that Mollenkopf does not sufficiently appreciate socio-economic changes. He notes that the Amsterdam economy has recently experienced a very strong expansion and concomitant job growth. Unemployment has gone down and immigrants have obviously benefited from the booming economy. Susan Fainstein argues that comparing central cities rather than metropolitan areas may underestimate the success of New York's foreign-born. Moreover, she has doubts about the selection of the social categories under study and wonders whether African Americans or immigrants constitute the more appropriate comparison group. If it is the African Americans, then the case for New York's greater tolerance becomes much harder to make. Malcolm Cross argues that until recently, the Dutch welfare state was hardly geared towards steering its clients into employment and this impacts the socio-economic position of welfare dependents. In addition, he suggests that Muslims are more excluded from jobs than others, and in his view this says something about the foundations of Dutch racism. Kees van Kersbergen argues that in the Dutch religious pluralistic context the fact that immigrants live separately from the Dutch could be interpreted as successful integration. He also notes that the Dutch ‘caring state’ is historically a ‘could-not-care-less’ state as far as labor market outcomes are concerned. Mollenkopf’s optimistic expectations regarding the Dutch welfare state are thus unfounded. Enzo Mingione and Enrico Pugliese criticize Mollenkopf’s definition of assimilation, or actually his failure to carefully define it. In addition, they are not convinced that the welfare system only accounts for low participation rates on the labor market. As the experience of African Americans suggest, ethnic and social discrimination account for exclusion as well. Lastly, Hans Vermeulen and Tijno Venema assert that Mollenkopf’s conclusions are based on meager empirical data. They refer to his ignorance of the fact that first generation immigrants in Amsterdam had a much lower level of education than first generation immigrants in New York City. In a rejoinder, Mollenkopf reacts to his fellow debaters.
This book evolved out of an attempt to assess theoretically a decade of research into the politic... more This book evolved out of an attempt to assess theoretically a decade of research into the political empowerment of migrants in the Netherlands. It is, in part, a critical reaction to the development of what is called ‘minorities studies’ in the Netherlands. The inability of researchers in the Netherlands to adequately answer urgent sociological questions and their poor theoretical performance is somewhat puzzling. While scholars in neighbouring countries enter into debates with their international colleagues on many matters, thereby advancing theoretical debate, the research community in the Netherlands tends not to exceed the imagined boundaries of their own ‘minority knowledge’ (minderhedenkunde) and avoids engaging in theoretical debates on higher levels of abstraction. In this book, I go beyond this ‘academic provincialism’ and engage with international debates on post-migration processes. I have a specific interest in neo- Marxist theory, and particularly the positions which have been developed by British writers such as Hall and Miles. This interest stems from the conviction that these modern varieties of this paradigm, rather than the popular ethnic relations paradigm enables me to better understand the current situation in the Netherlands. I clarify my theoretical position by contrasting each paradigm with the other – in this specific case: the minorities paradigm versus the minorisation paradigm.
Met de komst van immigranten uit Turkije, Marokko, Suriname, Indonesië en andere landen is ook he... more Met de komst van immigranten uit Turkije, Marokko, Suriname, Indonesië en andere landen is ook het aantal moslims in Nederland gegroeid. Zij hebben inmiddels talrijke instellingen op islamitische grondslag in het leven geroepen: van gebedsruimten tot scholen, van slagerijen tot omroeporganisaties. Langzaam maar zeker worden de contouren zichtbaar van een islamitische geloofsgemeenschap. Sommigen gaan zelfs zover te spreken van een ‘islamitische zuil’. In het publieke debat over deze ontwikkelingen keren vrijwel steeds dezelfde thema’s terug: de scheiding van kerk en staat, de voortschrijdende ontzuiling in Nederland, de grondwettelijke vrijheid van godsdienst en het gelijkheidsbeginsel. Maar dit debat wordt gehinderd door het feit dat er geen systematisch overzicht van de stand van zaken beschikbaar is. Dit boek vult die leemte. Het Instituut voor Rechtssociologie van de Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen en het Instituut voor Migratie- en Etnische Studies van de Universiteit van Amsterdam hebben geïnventariseerd welke instituties in de loop van de jaren zijn opgericht, welke (nationale en lokale) partijen zich daarin hebben geroerd en welke politieke en ideologische posities zij hebben ingenomen. De uitkomsten zijn vergeleken met de situatie in België en Groot-Brittannië. Aldus verschaft Nederland en zijn islam een verhelderend en ontnuchterend inzicht in de mate waarin de Nederlandse samenleving ruimte biedt (en heeft geboden) voor de islam als `nieuwe’ geloofsgemeenschap.
Edited by Atsushi Kondo on the basis of papers by Jan Rath. Tokyo, Japan: Akashi Shoten, 1997
Special issue of the Journal of Migration and Ethnic Studies, 2001, April, 27 (2), pp. 189-352.
Special Issue of Migrações, 3, October, pp. 1-287
Special issue of the International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior and Research , Volume 8,... more Special issue of the International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior and Research ,
Volume 8, Number 1-2, 2002
This book evolved out of an attempt to assess theoretically a decade of research into the politic... more This book evolved out of an attempt to assess theoretically a decade of research into the political empowerment of migrants in the Netherlands. It is, in part, a critical reaction to the development of what is called ‘minorities studies’ in the Netherlands. The inability of researchers in the Netherlands to adequately answer urgent sociological questions and their poor theoretical performance is somewhat puzzling. While scholars in neighbouring countries enter into debates with their international colleagues on many matters, thereby advancing theoretical debate, the research community in the Netherlands tends not to exceed the imagined boundaries of their own ‘minority knowledge’ (minderhedenkunde) and avoids engaging in theoretical debates on higher levels of abstraction. In this book, I go beyond this ‘academic provincialism’ and engage with international debates on post-migration processes. I have a specific interest in neo- Marxist theory, and particularly the positions which have been developed by British writers such as Hall and Miles. This interest stems from the conviction that these modern varieties of this paradigm, rather than the popular ethnic relations paradigm enables me to better understand the current situation in the Netherlands. I clarify my theoretical position by contrasting each paradigm with the other – in this specific case: the minorities paradigm versus the minorisation paradigm.
Immigration from North Africa, Asia and elsewhere meant a large influx of Islam into Western Euro... more Immigration from North Africa, Asia and elsewhere meant a large influx of Islam into Western Europe. In each country, Muslims organized in various ways and established numerous institutions such as mosques, cemeteries, halâl butchers, schools, broadcasting organizations, and political parties, and slowly but surely the outlines of Muslim communities begun to emerge. The development of those communities is not a matter of Muslims only, but the product of their interaction with the wider environment. The development of the process of institutionalization is the result of their consultations and conflicts with parties involved, particularly with agents from the host society. As Muslim immigrants become ever more a part of Western European societies, the establishment of their institutions both illustrates and affects the processes of sociological, political and legal change that are currently taking place. This book, based on interdisciplinary research, examines the establishment of Muslim institutions in Western Europe, and particularly focuses on the role played by agents from the host society and the political and ideological positions adopted by them in reaction to claims from Muslims.
The book is of interest to both scholars of cultural anthropology, political science, the sociology of law, the sociology of migration, the sociology of social movements, ethnic studies, religious studies, and urban studies, as well as to practitioners such as politicians, civil servants and ethnic and religious leaders in the field.
Met de komst van immigranten uit Turkije, Marokko, Suriname, Indonesië en andere landen is ook ... more Met de komst van immigranten uit Turkije, Marokko, Suriname, Indonesië en andere landen is ook het aantal moslims in Nederland gegroeid. Zij hebben inmiddels talrijke instellingen op islamitische grondslag in het leven geroepen: van gebedsruimten tot scholen, van slagerijen tot omroeporganisaties. Langzaam maar zeker worden de contouren zichtbaar van een islamitische geloofsgemeenschap. Sommigen gaan zelfs zover te spreken van een ‘islamitische zuil’. In het publieke debat over deze ontwikkelingen keren vrijwel steeds dezelfde thema’s terug: de scheiding van kerk en staat, de voortschrijdende ontzuiling in Nederland, de grondwettelijke vrijheid van godsdienst en het gelijkheidsbeginsel. Maar dit debat wordt gehinderd door het feit dat er geen systematisch overzicht van de stand van zaken beschikbaar is. Dit boek vult die leemte. Het Instituut voor Rechtssociologie van de Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen en het Instituut voor Migratie- en Etnische Studies van de Universiteit van Amsterdam hebben geïnventariseerd welke instituties in de loop van de jaren zijn opgericht, welke (nationale en lokale) partijen zich daarin hebben geroerd en welke politieke en ideologische posities zij hebben ingenomen. De uitkomsten zijn vergeleken met de situatie in België en Groot-Brittannië. Aldus verschaft Nederland en zijn islam een verhelderend en ontnuchterend inzicht in de mate waarin de Nederlandse samenleving ruimte biedt (en heeft geboden) voor de islam als `nieuwe’ geloofsgemeenschap.
In the past few years, a considerable of immigrants have established their own businesses. In doi... more In the past few years, a considerable of immigrants have established their own businesses. In doing so, they have contributed in many ways to the economic development of American and European metropolitan areas. Some businesses have been incorporated into the mainstream, while others have stayed on the economic fringes: more often than not their entrepreneurship involves low-level activities taking place on the fringe of the urban economy. They operate at the lower end of the market where obstacles to admission are weakest, but even here they lead a difficult existence economically. Although immigrant entrepreneurs work long hours–often assisted by family, co-ethnics or other immigrants–profit gains are often minimal, and–judged by the standards of established businesses–their corporate management leaves much to be desired[, with conditions of labour below standard. In addition, they often resort to all sorts of illegal practices, varying from tax fraud to the employment of undocumented immigrants. This in turn leads to reactions on the part of government or other controlling agencies or advocacy groups which may threaten the continuity of the enterprise.
In this book a number of these processes and their interrelationship are submitted to more detailed theoretical study. A first point of departure is that the opportunities and strategies of entrepreneurs are closely linked to their relations within economic, politico-institutional and social environments. In practice, they will depend on the precise mixture of these various types of embeddedness. A second point of departure is that this exploration can only be optimally carried out if insights from other complementary disciplines are used. It is evident that the study of small-scale ethnic entrepreneurship can only be fruitful if it is not limited to economic sociology but widens its field of vision to include, for example, disciplines such as business economics and international political economics.
The garment industry is one of the world’s largest industries, yet there are few sustained examin... more The garment industry is one of the world’s largest industries, yet there are few sustained examinations of its importance to the global economy and the very vital role that immigrant entrepreneurship has played. Focusing on the garment industry in seven world cities -Paris, London, Birmingham, Amsterdam, New York, Miami and Los Angeles- this book tackles the complex relationship between the development of immigrant entrepreneurship and the shift to global, post-industrial urban economies. The interconnections among immigrant entrepreneurs, social networks, market conditions and regulatory matters are thoroughly explored in a comparative way. Starting from the idea that general social, economic and political processes manifest themselves in ever changing, historically specific shapes, the contributors offer intriguing insights into the dynamics of entrepreneurial management against the backdrop of such processes as: the differential spatial impact of economic restructuring; the significance of governance at various levels; and the conditional use of social capital. With contributions from leading experts in the field, this is a must for those wishing to supplement their knowledge in globalization, labour, economics, immigration and the garment industry broadly speaking.
Tourism, Ethnic Diversity and the City fills a gap in existing research in terms of how immigrati... more Tourism, Ethnic Diversity and the City fills a gap in existing research in terms of how immigration relates to urban tourism and investigates the new theoretical insights and challenges for empirical research using informative case studies drawn from several advanced economies in Europe, North America and Australia. This enlightening book clearly explores the frontiers of knowledge on the interrelationship between tourism, migration, ethnic diversity and place. Exploring further the manifestations of ethnic diversity that have been commodified by immigrants in gateway cities, questioning how these expressions of culture can be transformed into vehicles for further developing the urban tourism economy. Tourism, Ethnic Diversity and the City presents a multidisciplinary approach drawing on key names from the field of geography, sociology, planning and political science and will appeal to those with an interest in any of these areas.
While ethnic neighborhoods are usually associated with poverty, crime and social problems, they h... more While ethnic neighborhoods are usually associated with poverty, crime and social problems, they have also emerged as places of leisure and consumption, providing opportunities for numerous entrepreneurs and employees. Local and national governments and other regulatory actors, as well as the media, have started to see and promote these neighborhoods as urban attractions for tourists, city dwellers and others. This book aims to analyze the roles of ethnic entrepreneurs and their associations and governments, and – by extension – of consumers and other actors in the rise of ethnic neighborhoods as places of leisure and consumption. Through case studies, it situates those neighborhoods at the edge of different theoretical debates about urban political economy and the politics of culture, and seeks a dynamic synergy between both.
Migration and ethnic studies are on the rise. Often largely oriented towards the United States an... more Migration and ethnic studies are on the rise. Often largely oriented towards the United States and other countries with longer, older narratives of immigration, a body of literature has rapidly grown and, within it, a European research area is emerging. This premiere volume in the IMISCOE Textbooks Series assembles for the first time a comprehensive collection of 25 classic papers that have had a lasting impact on studies of international migration and immigrant integration in Europe. The editors answer the pressing need for such a perspective on international migration seen through different scientific disciplines and methodological approaches.
Selected Studies is a textbook for advanced undergraduates and PhD students in the social sciences, political science, cultural anthropology, economics and social history as well as anyone interested in migration and integration studies.
The interplay between immigrants and the host society is a multilayered process, covering many so... more The interplay between immigrants and the host society is a multilayered process, covering many societal spheres, including the economic, socio-political and cultural ones. As this book makes clear, this interplay is highly dynamic and a two-way process. The fate of immigrants is shaped by the institutional make-up of the host society, but at the same time immigrants – the vox populi notwithstanding – leave their ineradicable mark on the host society. This book explores how migrants change the city in which they settle. It traces how inward migration has transformed Amsterdam in the 20th century and how migrant activities in domains as diverse as religion, sports, language and food have contributed to the cosmopolitan character of Amsterdam as a world city. In doing so, Ethnic Amsterdam: Immigrants and Urban Change in the Twentieth Century shows how immigrants have marked Amsterdam as a city sometimes clearly visible, but sometimes also invisible for the general public. Some migrant habits have been adapted by the native population, others remain ‘ethnic’ as a niche for a specific group; others finally are invisible, since these changes basically take place behind closed doors.
Migration is an essential component of the ongoing process of globalization. Large numbers of mig... more Migration is an essential component of the ongoing process of globalization. Large numbers of migrants from Third-World countries leave their homes and settle in so-called advanced economies where they have to find a living. Many of them, of course, do so by looking for a job. Others, however, venture on starting their own businesses in the country of settlement. In many cities of advanced economies, we now find significant numbers of immigrants from Third-World countries who have set up shops themselves. As such, we can position these entrepreneurs at the intersection of, on the one hand, global processes of migration, and, on the other, of structural changes in these advanced urban economies. This specific way of economic insertion, therefore, clearly shows how immigrants, using their own resources, not only make use of existing opportunities but are also able to create new opportunities.
With the increase in numbers of immigrants in most advanced economies in the last decade of the 20th century, there has also been an increase in immigrant entrepreneurship. This remarkable rise is now the subject of an international research project, which is funded by the European Union under the Targeted Socio-Economic Research programme. The research team includes social scientists (sociologists, geographers, anthropologists, economists, and historians) from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa, United Kingdom and the United States. The aim of this project is, first of all, to get an overview of the recent developments with regard to immigrant entrepreneurship in the different countries. Secondly, to review the research on the subject. Thirdly, to get a improve our understanding on the meaning of immigrant entrepreneurship both for the immigrants and the society at large. This latter approach will also serve as a departure for the policy implications.
The volume aims at presenting both an international comparison of the development of immigrant entrepreneurship in a number of advanced economies and an assessment of theoretical approaches with regard to this issue. Our basic assumption is that entrepreneurship is, in a certain way, the product of national-specific ideas and practices of economic incorporation. In the same vein, we assume that research of entrepreneurship is informed by such ‘national models’ of incorporation, as is shown, for instance, by the specific focus and appreciation of entrepreneurial activities, and the use of specific terms and concepts. Only when the existence and impact of such models is fully acknowledged, it is possible to really understand the typical way in which immigrants incorporate economically. And, moreover, only then it is possible to appreciate theory, especially theory that has been developed on the basis of a specific empirical case. Systematic international comparison allows for the identification of such national models of incorporation. In a sense, one could see this book as a successor to the volume Ethnic Entrepreneurs. Immigrant Business in Industrial Societies by Roger Waldinger, Howard Aldrich, Robin Ward and Associates, published by Sage in 1990. Our book first of all offers a much more recent systematic update of the developments with respect to immigrant entrepreneurship. Given the fact that the last decade has seen a significant rise of immigrant entrepreneurs in advanced economies this is of especially importance. Secondly, with 13 countries, a much broader international overview is given, with attention for both general developments and national particularities. Thirdly, a state-of-the-art review of theoretical developments concerning immigrant entrepreneurship is given, again with special reference to the place of these theories in the debates in each country. In this field, developments have occurred quite rapidly. One of the theoretical innovations that took place after the publication of the book by Waldinger, Aldrich, Ward and others, was the rise of economic sociology—particularly in the United States—with its typical focus on social capital. However, it has become clear that these kind of theories fall short, as they fail to appreciate the institutional framework as an important factor in determining the both the extent and the incidence of immigrant entrepreneurship in different countries. This factor inescapably come to the fore when comparing countries with rather extensive welfare systems such as many European countries and Australia, with countries with a lean welfare system, such as the United States and Britain. As such, the book offers not only an up-to-date reference book on immigrant entrepreneurship in advanced economies, but also a significant contribution to business studies, migration studies, urban studies and comparative economic sociology.
Papers by Jan Rath
Hommes et Migrations, 1991
En 1982, le marocain Hassan Bel Ghazi publiait un livre intitule Deux cultures : exploitation et ... more En 1982, le marocain Hassan Bel Ghazi publiait un livre intitule Deux cultures : exploitation et opportunisme. C'etait pratiquement la premiere fois qu'un «hote etranger» ecrivait un ouvrage de ce genre aux Pays-Bas. Bel Ghazi y affirmait, entre autres, que «les migrants, qui (...) representent une force vitale pour l'economie du pays, sont totalement absents en matiere politique». Il reprochait aux Hollandais leur paternalisme et leur ingerence, contraire aux interets des immigrants. Selon lui, cette ingerence eloignait les immigrants des syndicats et les empechait de developper leurs propres associations. Tout ceci contribuait a leur isolement politique. ; Cette etude se propose de faire le point sur les declarations provocatrices de Bel Ghazi. Dresse-t-il un tableau fidele de la situation aux Pays-Bas et si oui, comment expliquer cette situation d'un point de vue theorique ? Cette analyse est illustree par un exemple concret : la participation des immigrants aux elections locales de 1986.
European cities are increasingly faced with the challenge of integrating people from very diverse... more European cities are increasingly faced with the challenge of integrating people from very diverse backgrounds. As migrant populations increase, so do the opportunities for new business, job creation and international competitiveness. This report shows that ethnic entrepreneurs, however small their venture, contribute to the economic growth of their local area, often rejuvenate neglected crafts and trades, and participate increasingly in the provision of higher value-added services. They can help to promote stronger trading links with their home countries and foster social cohesion in their host communities. The report examines what city authorities are doing to attract ethnic entrepreneurs into their established business communities, and to facilitate the business environment – from the purely financial to providing training and advice.
During a brief stay in the Netherlands, the American scholar John Mollenkopf was surprised by the... more During a brief stay in the Netherlands, the American scholar John Mollenkopf was surprised by the similarities and differences between the situations in Amsterdam and New York. His observations served as the basis for a lecture and then an article entitled: ‘Assimilating Immigrants in Amsterdam. A Perspective from New York’. The subtitle is telling, and the article discusses the process of assimilation (sic!) as seen through the eyes of a scholar from New York. He observes and notices various phenomena and puts them in a perspective as only an outsider would. For Dutch researchers, his observations and analyses are challenging, because he does not take the standard routes. Mollenkopf is brave or naive (?), and deliberately takes the risk misinterpreting things. Yet, his article, imperfect as it may be, is thought-provoking and therefore worthwhile. It inevitably provokes interesting discussions.
This is why the editorial board of the Netherlands’ Journal of Social Sciences has decided to include his article in the current issue. To promote the discussion, a number of international scholars have been invited to write their critical comments, each from their own perspective. They address the merits of Mollenkopf’s analyses and highlight the significance and complexity of international comparative study.
All of the authors acknowledge the relevance of Mollenkopf’s work and appreciate his contribution. But they also have theirquestions and doubts. Robert Kloosterman suggests that Mollenkopf does not sufficiently appreciate socio-economic changes. He notes that the Amsterdam economy has recently experienced a very strong expansion and concomitant job growth. Unemployment has gone down and immigrants have obviously benefited from the booming economy. Susan Fainstein argues that comparing central cities rather than metropolitan areas may underestimate the success of New York's foreign-born. Moreover, she has doubts about the selection of the social categories under study and wonders whether African Americans or immigrants constitute the more appropriate comparison group. If it is the African Americans, then the case for New York's greater tolerance becomes much harder to make. Malcolm Cross argues that until recently, the Dutch welfare state was hardly geared towards steering its clients into employment and this impacts the socio-economic position of welfare dependents. In addition, he suggests that Muslims are more excluded from jobs than others, and in his view this says something about the foundations of Dutch racism. Kees van Kersbergen argues that in the Dutch religious pluralistic context the fact that immigrants live separately from the Dutch could be interpreted as successful integration. He also notes that the Dutch ‘caring state’ is historically a ‘could-not-care-less’ state as far as labor market outcomes are concerned. Mollenkopf’s optimistic expectations regarding the Dutch welfare state are thus unfounded. Enzo Mingione and Enrico Pugliese criticize Mollenkopf’s definition of assimilation, or actually his failure to carefully define it. In addition, they are not convinced that the welfare system only accounts for low participation rates on the labor market. As the experience of African Americans suggest, ethnic and social discrimination account for exclusion as well. Lastly, Hans Vermeulen and Tijno Venema assert that Mollenkopf’s conclusions are based on meager empirical data. They refer to his ignorance of the fact that first generation immigrants in Amsterdam had a much lower level of education than first generation immigrants in New York City. In a rejoinder, Mollenkopf reacts to his fellow debaters.
This book evolved out of an attempt to assess theoretically a decade of research into the politic... more This book evolved out of an attempt to assess theoretically a decade of research into the political empowerment of migrants in the Netherlands. It is, in part, a critical reaction to the development of what is called ‘minorities studies’ in the Netherlands. The inability of researchers in the Netherlands to adequately answer urgent sociological questions and their poor theoretical performance is somewhat puzzling. While scholars in neighbouring countries enter into debates with their international colleagues on many matters, thereby advancing theoretical debate, the research community in the Netherlands tends not to exceed the imagined boundaries of their own ‘minority knowledge’ (minderhedenkunde) and avoids engaging in theoretical debates on higher levels of abstraction. In this book, I go beyond this ‘academic provincialism’ and engage with international debates on post-migration processes. I have a specific interest in neo- Marxist theory, and particularly the positions which have been developed by British writers such as Hall and Miles. This interest stems from the conviction that these modern varieties of this paradigm, rather than the popular ethnic relations paradigm enables me to better understand the current situation in the Netherlands. I clarify my theoretical position by contrasting each paradigm with the other – in this specific case: the minorities paradigm versus the minorisation paradigm.
Met de komst van immigranten uit Turkije, Marokko, Suriname, Indonesië en andere landen is ook he... more Met de komst van immigranten uit Turkije, Marokko, Suriname, Indonesië en andere landen is ook het aantal moslims in Nederland gegroeid. Zij hebben inmiddels talrijke instellingen op islamitische grondslag in het leven geroepen: van gebedsruimten tot scholen, van slagerijen tot omroeporganisaties. Langzaam maar zeker worden de contouren zichtbaar van een islamitische geloofsgemeenschap. Sommigen gaan zelfs zover te spreken van een ‘islamitische zuil’. In het publieke debat over deze ontwikkelingen keren vrijwel steeds dezelfde thema’s terug: de scheiding van kerk en staat, de voortschrijdende ontzuiling in Nederland, de grondwettelijke vrijheid van godsdienst en het gelijkheidsbeginsel. Maar dit debat wordt gehinderd door het feit dat er geen systematisch overzicht van de stand van zaken beschikbaar is. Dit boek vult die leemte. Het Instituut voor Rechtssociologie van de Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen en het Instituut voor Migratie- en Etnische Studies van de Universiteit van Amsterdam hebben geïnventariseerd welke instituties in de loop van de jaren zijn opgericht, welke (nationale en lokale) partijen zich daarin hebben geroerd en welke politieke en ideologische posities zij hebben ingenomen. De uitkomsten zijn vergeleken met de situatie in België en Groot-Brittannië. Aldus verschaft Nederland en zijn islam een verhelderend en ontnuchterend inzicht in de mate waarin de Nederlandse samenleving ruimte biedt (en heeft geboden) voor de islam als `nieuwe’ geloofsgemeenschap.
Edited by Atsushi Kondo on the basis of papers by Jan Rath. Tokyo, Japan: Akashi Shoten, 1997
Special issue of the Journal of Migration and Ethnic Studies, 2001, April, 27 (2), pp. 189-352.
Special Issue of Migrações, 3, October, pp. 1-287
Special issue of the International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior and Research , Volume 8,... more Special issue of the International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior and Research ,
Volume 8, Number 1-2, 2002
This book evolved out of an attempt to assess theoretically a decade of research into the politic... more This book evolved out of an attempt to assess theoretically a decade of research into the political empowerment of migrants in the Netherlands. It is, in part, a critical reaction to the development of what is called ‘minorities studies’ in the Netherlands. The inability of researchers in the Netherlands to adequately answer urgent sociological questions and their poor theoretical performance is somewhat puzzling. While scholars in neighbouring countries enter into debates with their international colleagues on many matters, thereby advancing theoretical debate, the research community in the Netherlands tends not to exceed the imagined boundaries of their own ‘minority knowledge’ (minderhedenkunde) and avoids engaging in theoretical debates on higher levels of abstraction. In this book, I go beyond this ‘academic provincialism’ and engage with international debates on post-migration processes. I have a specific interest in neo- Marxist theory, and particularly the positions which have been developed by British writers such as Hall and Miles. This interest stems from the conviction that these modern varieties of this paradigm, rather than the popular ethnic relations paradigm enables me to better understand the current situation in the Netherlands. I clarify my theoretical position by contrasting each paradigm with the other – in this specific case: the minorities paradigm versus the minorisation paradigm.
Immigration from North Africa, Asia and elsewhere meant a large influx of Islam into Western Euro... more Immigration from North Africa, Asia and elsewhere meant a large influx of Islam into Western Europe. In each country, Muslims organized in various ways and established numerous institutions such as mosques, cemeteries, halâl butchers, schools, broadcasting organizations, and political parties, and slowly but surely the outlines of Muslim communities begun to emerge. The development of those communities is not a matter of Muslims only, but the product of their interaction with the wider environment. The development of the process of institutionalization is the result of their consultations and conflicts with parties involved, particularly with agents from the host society. As Muslim immigrants become ever more a part of Western European societies, the establishment of their institutions both illustrates and affects the processes of sociological, political and legal change that are currently taking place. This book, based on interdisciplinary research, examines the establishment of Muslim institutions in Western Europe, and particularly focuses on the role played by agents from the host society and the political and ideological positions adopted by them in reaction to claims from Muslims.
The book is of interest to both scholars of cultural anthropology, political science, the sociology of law, the sociology of migration, the sociology of social movements, ethnic studies, religious studies, and urban studies, as well as to practitioners such as politicians, civil servants and ethnic and religious leaders in the field.
Met de komst van immigranten uit Turkije, Marokko, Suriname, Indonesië en andere landen is ook ... more Met de komst van immigranten uit Turkije, Marokko, Suriname, Indonesië en andere landen is ook het aantal moslims in Nederland gegroeid. Zij hebben inmiddels talrijke instellingen op islamitische grondslag in het leven geroepen: van gebedsruimten tot scholen, van slagerijen tot omroeporganisaties. Langzaam maar zeker worden de contouren zichtbaar van een islamitische geloofsgemeenschap. Sommigen gaan zelfs zover te spreken van een ‘islamitische zuil’. In het publieke debat over deze ontwikkelingen keren vrijwel steeds dezelfde thema’s terug: de scheiding van kerk en staat, de voortschrijdende ontzuiling in Nederland, de grondwettelijke vrijheid van godsdienst en het gelijkheidsbeginsel. Maar dit debat wordt gehinderd door het feit dat er geen systematisch overzicht van de stand van zaken beschikbaar is. Dit boek vult die leemte. Het Instituut voor Rechtssociologie van de Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen en het Instituut voor Migratie- en Etnische Studies van de Universiteit van Amsterdam hebben geïnventariseerd welke instituties in de loop van de jaren zijn opgericht, welke (nationale en lokale) partijen zich daarin hebben geroerd en welke politieke en ideologische posities zij hebben ingenomen. De uitkomsten zijn vergeleken met de situatie in België en Groot-Brittannië. Aldus verschaft Nederland en zijn islam een verhelderend en ontnuchterend inzicht in de mate waarin de Nederlandse samenleving ruimte biedt (en heeft geboden) voor de islam als `nieuwe’ geloofsgemeenschap.
In the past few years, a considerable of immigrants have established their own businesses. In doi... more In the past few years, a considerable of immigrants have established their own businesses. In doing so, they have contributed in many ways to the economic development of American and European metropolitan areas. Some businesses have been incorporated into the mainstream, while others have stayed on the economic fringes: more often than not their entrepreneurship involves low-level activities taking place on the fringe of the urban economy. They operate at the lower end of the market where obstacles to admission are weakest, but even here they lead a difficult existence economically. Although immigrant entrepreneurs work long hours–often assisted by family, co-ethnics or other immigrants–profit gains are often minimal, and–judged by the standards of established businesses–their corporate management leaves much to be desired[, with conditions of labour below standard. In addition, they often resort to all sorts of illegal practices, varying from tax fraud to the employment of undocumented immigrants. This in turn leads to reactions on the part of government or other controlling agencies or advocacy groups which may threaten the continuity of the enterprise.
In this book a number of these processes and their interrelationship are submitted to more detailed theoretical study. A first point of departure is that the opportunities and strategies of entrepreneurs are closely linked to their relations within economic, politico-institutional and social environments. In practice, they will depend on the precise mixture of these various types of embeddedness. A second point of departure is that this exploration can only be optimally carried out if insights from other complementary disciplines are used. It is evident that the study of small-scale ethnic entrepreneurship can only be fruitful if it is not limited to economic sociology but widens its field of vision to include, for example, disciplines such as business economics and international political economics.
The garment industry is one of the world’s largest industries, yet there are few sustained examin... more The garment industry is one of the world’s largest industries, yet there are few sustained examinations of its importance to the global economy and the very vital role that immigrant entrepreneurship has played. Focusing on the garment industry in seven world cities -Paris, London, Birmingham, Amsterdam, New York, Miami and Los Angeles- this book tackles the complex relationship between the development of immigrant entrepreneurship and the shift to global, post-industrial urban economies. The interconnections among immigrant entrepreneurs, social networks, market conditions and regulatory matters are thoroughly explored in a comparative way. Starting from the idea that general social, economic and political processes manifest themselves in ever changing, historically specific shapes, the contributors offer intriguing insights into the dynamics of entrepreneurial management against the backdrop of such processes as: the differential spatial impact of economic restructuring; the significance of governance at various levels; and the conditional use of social capital. With contributions from leading experts in the field, this is a must for those wishing to supplement their knowledge in globalization, labour, economics, immigration and the garment industry broadly speaking.
Tourism, Ethnic Diversity and the City fills a gap in existing research in terms of how immigrati... more Tourism, Ethnic Diversity and the City fills a gap in existing research in terms of how immigration relates to urban tourism and investigates the new theoretical insights and challenges for empirical research using informative case studies drawn from several advanced economies in Europe, North America and Australia. This enlightening book clearly explores the frontiers of knowledge on the interrelationship between tourism, migration, ethnic diversity and place. Exploring further the manifestations of ethnic diversity that have been commodified by immigrants in gateway cities, questioning how these expressions of culture can be transformed into vehicles for further developing the urban tourism economy. Tourism, Ethnic Diversity and the City presents a multidisciplinary approach drawing on key names from the field of geography, sociology, planning and political science and will appeal to those with an interest in any of these areas.
While ethnic neighborhoods are usually associated with poverty, crime and social problems, they h... more While ethnic neighborhoods are usually associated with poverty, crime and social problems, they have also emerged as places of leisure and consumption, providing opportunities for numerous entrepreneurs and employees. Local and national governments and other regulatory actors, as well as the media, have started to see and promote these neighborhoods as urban attractions for tourists, city dwellers and others. This book aims to analyze the roles of ethnic entrepreneurs and their associations and governments, and – by extension – of consumers and other actors in the rise of ethnic neighborhoods as places of leisure and consumption. Through case studies, it situates those neighborhoods at the edge of different theoretical debates about urban political economy and the politics of culture, and seeks a dynamic synergy between both.
Migration and ethnic studies are on the rise. Often largely oriented towards the United States an... more Migration and ethnic studies are on the rise. Often largely oriented towards the United States and other countries with longer, older narratives of immigration, a body of literature has rapidly grown and, within it, a European research area is emerging. This premiere volume in the IMISCOE Textbooks Series assembles for the first time a comprehensive collection of 25 classic papers that have had a lasting impact on studies of international migration and immigrant integration in Europe. The editors answer the pressing need for such a perspective on international migration seen through different scientific disciplines and methodological approaches.
Selected Studies is a textbook for advanced undergraduates and PhD students in the social sciences, political science, cultural anthropology, economics and social history as well as anyone interested in migration and integration studies.
The interplay between immigrants and the host society is a multilayered process, covering many so... more The interplay between immigrants and the host society is a multilayered process, covering many societal spheres, including the economic, socio-political and cultural ones. As this book makes clear, this interplay is highly dynamic and a two-way process. The fate of immigrants is shaped by the institutional make-up of the host society, but at the same time immigrants – the vox populi notwithstanding – leave their ineradicable mark on the host society. This book explores how migrants change the city in which they settle. It traces how inward migration has transformed Amsterdam in the 20th century and how migrant activities in domains as diverse as religion, sports, language and food have contributed to the cosmopolitan character of Amsterdam as a world city. In doing so, Ethnic Amsterdam: Immigrants and Urban Change in the Twentieth Century shows how immigrants have marked Amsterdam as a city sometimes clearly visible, but sometimes also invisible for the general public. Some migrant habits have been adapted by the native population, others remain ‘ethnic’ as a niche for a specific group; others finally are invisible, since these changes basically take place behind closed doors.
Migration is an essential component of the ongoing process of globalization. Large numbers of mig... more Migration is an essential component of the ongoing process of globalization. Large numbers of migrants from Third-World countries leave their homes and settle in so-called advanced economies where they have to find a living. Many of them, of course, do so by looking for a job. Others, however, venture on starting their own businesses in the country of settlement. In many cities of advanced economies, we now find significant numbers of immigrants from Third-World countries who have set up shops themselves. As such, we can position these entrepreneurs at the intersection of, on the one hand, global processes of migration, and, on the other, of structural changes in these advanced urban economies. This specific way of economic insertion, therefore, clearly shows how immigrants, using their own resources, not only make use of existing opportunities but are also able to create new opportunities.
With the increase in numbers of immigrants in most advanced economies in the last decade of the 20th century, there has also been an increase in immigrant entrepreneurship. This remarkable rise is now the subject of an international research project, which is funded by the European Union under the Targeted Socio-Economic Research programme. The research team includes social scientists (sociologists, geographers, anthropologists, economists, and historians) from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa, United Kingdom and the United States. The aim of this project is, first of all, to get an overview of the recent developments with regard to immigrant entrepreneurship in the different countries. Secondly, to review the research on the subject. Thirdly, to get a improve our understanding on the meaning of immigrant entrepreneurship both for the immigrants and the society at large. This latter approach will also serve as a departure for the policy implications.
The volume aims at presenting both an international comparison of the development of immigrant entrepreneurship in a number of advanced economies and an assessment of theoretical approaches with regard to this issue. Our basic assumption is that entrepreneurship is, in a certain way, the product of national-specific ideas and practices of economic incorporation. In the same vein, we assume that research of entrepreneurship is informed by such ‘national models’ of incorporation, as is shown, for instance, by the specific focus and appreciation of entrepreneurial activities, and the use of specific terms and concepts. Only when the existence and impact of such models is fully acknowledged, it is possible to really understand the typical way in which immigrants incorporate economically. And, moreover, only then it is possible to appreciate theory, especially theory that has been developed on the basis of a specific empirical case. Systematic international comparison allows for the identification of such national models of incorporation. In a sense, one could see this book as a successor to the volume Ethnic Entrepreneurs. Immigrant Business in Industrial Societies by Roger Waldinger, Howard Aldrich, Robin Ward and Associates, published by Sage in 1990. Our book first of all offers a much more recent systematic update of the developments with respect to immigrant entrepreneurship. Given the fact that the last decade has seen a significant rise of immigrant entrepreneurs in advanced economies this is of especially importance. Secondly, with 13 countries, a much broader international overview is given, with attention for both general developments and national particularities. Thirdly, a state-of-the-art review of theoretical developments concerning immigrant entrepreneurship is given, again with special reference to the place of these theories in the debates in each country. In this field, developments have occurred quite rapidly. One of the theoretical innovations that took place after the publication of the book by Waldinger, Aldrich, Ward and others, was the rise of economic sociology—particularly in the United States—with its typical focus on social capital. However, it has become clear that these kind of theories fall short, as they fail to appreciate the institutional framework as an important factor in determining the both the extent and the incidence of immigrant entrepreneurship in different countries. This factor inescapably come to the fore when comparing countries with rather extensive welfare systems such as many European countries and Australia, with countries with a lean welfare system, such as the United States and Britain. As such, the book offers not only an up-to-date reference book on immigrant entrepreneurship in advanced economies, but also a significant contribution to business studies, migration studies, urban studies and comparative economic sociology.
Hommes et Migrations, 1991
En 1982, le marocain Hassan Bel Ghazi publiait un livre intitule Deux cultures : exploitation et ... more En 1982, le marocain Hassan Bel Ghazi publiait un livre intitule Deux cultures : exploitation et opportunisme. C'etait pratiquement la premiere fois qu'un «hote etranger» ecrivait un ouvrage de ce genre aux Pays-Bas. Bel Ghazi y affirmait, entre autres, que «les migrants, qui (...) representent une force vitale pour l'economie du pays, sont totalement absents en matiere politique». Il reprochait aux Hollandais leur paternalisme et leur ingerence, contraire aux interets des immigrants. Selon lui, cette ingerence eloignait les immigrants des syndicats et les empechait de developper leurs propres associations. Tout ceci contribuait a leur isolement politique. ; Cette etude se propose de faire le point sur les declarations provocatrices de Bel Ghazi. Dresse-t-il un tableau fidele de la situation aux Pays-Bas et si oui, comment expliquer cette situation d'un point de vue theorique ? Cette analyse est illustree par un exemple concret : la participation des immigrants aux elections locales de 1986.
An Introduction to Immigrant Incorporation Studies, 2014
Het geloof in hippe koffietenten als netwerkplek voor de middenklasser is te groot, schrijven Wie... more Het geloof in hippe koffietenten als netwerkplek voor de middenklasser is te groot, schrijven Wietze Gelmers en Jan Rath.
Solid State Communications, 1995
Metastable increase of dark conductivity with light soaking in compensated a-Si : H(B, Li) is rep... more Metastable increase of dark conductivity with light soaking in compensated a-Si : H(B, Li) is reported for the first time. Similarity in the behavior of a-Si : H(B, Li) and a-Si : H(B, P) suggests similar mechanism for light induced Fermi level shift (A&) in both the cases. The kinetics of defect formation, annealing and stretch exponential decay of AE, infer a process involving light induced structural changes. A model has been proposed by which capture of holes at bistable charge trapping sites by deactivation of boron causes metastable increase of conductivity.
This essay concludes the Symposium on the mixed embeddedness approach to migrant entrepreneurship... more This essay concludes the Symposium on the mixed embeddedness approach to migrant entrepreneurship by briefly outlining the development of mixed embeddedness, reflecting on its position within the international field of migrant entrepreneurship research, and by highlighting its key elements. We first discuss how the mixed embeddedness approach came into being. Thereafter we highlight the basic components of the approach and we argue why such an approach should be preferred to other, more mono-causal approaches. Our contribution concludes by pointing to the adjustments that the approach has undergone since its introduction in the late 1990s.
Het aantal cappuccinotenten in Amsterdam groeit explosief. Betekent dit dat Amsterdammers eenskla... more Het aantal cappuccinotenten in Amsterdam groeit explosief. Betekent dit dat Amsterdammers eensklaps veel meer van koffie zijn gaan houden? Feit is dat de snelle verspreiding van wat wordt genoemd ‘specialty coffee bars’ allerminst aan Amsterdam is voorbehouden. In talrijke steden over de hele wereld schieten zulke tenten als paddenstoelen uit de grond, of het nu Vancouver is, Istanbul, Moskou of Kunming. Dit heeft onder andere te maken met de opkomst van creatieve economieen, de daarmee gepaard gaande concentratie van individuen met een hoge opleiding en op culturele consumptie gerichte life style, en de ontwikkeling van nieuwe vormen van moderne stedelijkheid. Maar wat gebeurt er eigenlijk in die koffietenten? Samen met een grote groep studenten uit de BA sociologie zoeken we dat uit.
Grote en minder grote steden worstelen met de vraag hoe de kwaliteit van de stedelijke samenlevin... more Grote en minder grote steden worstelen met de vraag hoe de kwaliteit van de stedelijke samenleving kan worden verbeterd. Resultaten van statistisch onderzoek wijzen op een toenemende tweedeling en ook de beeldvorming in de media roept het beeld op van sociale desintegratie. Aangewakkerd door een aantal incidenten, waarbij groepen uit de samenleving de facto tegenover elkaar kwamen te staan, is er sluipenderwijs ook in het beleid een conceptuele tweedeling ontstaan. Enerzijds een optimistisch en stimulerend verhaal over stedelijke vernieuwing en dynamiek ('creatieve industrie', dynamiek, revitalisering van havengebieden, 'broedplaatsen', sleutelprojecten) en anderzijds een pessimistisch wijkgericht verhaal over 'achterstand', 'probleemwijken', conflicten en stagnerende sociale mobiliteit. Het is noodzakelijk om deze verschillende ontwikkelingen - die zich inderdaad tegelijkertijd voordoen - in een breder perspectief te plaatsen: maatschappelijk succes ...
Grote en minder grote steden worstelen met de vraag hoe de kwaliteit van de stedelijke samenlevin... more Grote en minder grote steden worstelen met de vraag hoe de kwaliteit van de stedelijke samenleving kan worden verbeterd. Resultaten van statistisch onderzoek wijzen op een toenemende tweedeling en ook de beeldvorming in de media roept het beeld op van sociale desintegratie. Aangewakkerd door een aantal incidenten, waarbij groepen uit de samenleving de facto tegenover elkaar kwamen te staan, is er sluipenderwijs ook in het beleid een conceptuele tweedeling ontstaan. Enerzijds een optimistisch en stimulerend verhaal over stedelijke vernieuwing en dynamiek ('creatieve industrie', dynamiek, revitalisering van havengebieden, 'broedplaatsen', sleutelprojecten) en anderzijds een pessimistisch wijkgericht verhaal over 'achterstand', 'probleemwijken', conflicten en stagnerende sociale mobiliteit. Het is noodzakelijk om deze verschillende ontwikkelingen - die zich inderdaad tegelijkertijd voordoen - in een breder perspectief te plaatsen: maatschappelijk succes ...
Espacios en la migración / Spaces in migration, 2021
En la pintoresca zona de canales de Ámsterdam, Zeedijk y sus alrededores, los empresarios chinos ... more En la pintoresca zona de canales de Ámsterdam, Zeedijk y sus alrededores, los empresarios chinos han estampado su presencia en lo que parece el Chinatown local. Desde principios de los 90´s, los empresarios y sus organizaciones hicieron campaña por el reconocimiento oficial de Zeedijk como un distrito solo étnico y por el apoyo gubernamental a la mejora de “lo chino”. Siguiendo lo que opinan Hackworth y Rekers (2005), argumentamos que este caso desafía la comprensión tradicional de los paisajes comerciales étnicos. En contraste con la ortodoxia actual, nos hemos acercado ante todo al Chinatown de Ámsterdam como un espacio económico temático. Aquí chinos y otros empresarios compiten por una parte del mercado y por el derecho a reivindicar la identidad de la zona. ¿Cuál es el desarrollo histórico de Zeedijk, cómo los empresarios chinos y sus asociaciones impulsaron el Chinatown y negociaron “lo chino” públicamente, y cómo respondieron los actores institucionales gubernamentales y no gubernamentales a esos intentos?