The Journal of the European Research Centre on Migration and Ethnic Relations

Volume 21 Number 3 July 1995

Contents:

Articles:

• Ayse Caglar, `German Turks in Berlin: social exclusion and strategies for social mobility' [Abstract]
• Stephen Castles, `How nation-states respond to immigration and ethnic diversity' [Abstract]
• Marc Swyngedouw, `The `threatening immigrant' in Flaanders, 1930-1980: redrawing the social space' [Abstract]
• John Fulton, `Ethnicity and state form in the division of Ireland' [Abstract]
• Jackie West, `South Asian women in employment: the impact of migration, ethnic origin and the local economy' [Abstract]
• August Gächter, `Forced complementarity: the attempt to protect native Austrian workers from immigrants' [Abstract]
• Michael Lyon, `London Patels: caste and commerce': [Abstract]

Research notes

• Karen Schönwalder, `No constitutionally guaranteed respect for minorities in Germany'
  
• Elizabeth Scantlebury, `Muslims in Manchester: the depiction of a religious community'

Reports

• Michael Banton, European reports
  
• John Salt, International migration report
  

Ayse Caglar, `German Turks in Berlin: social exclusion and strategies for social mobility':

The literature on Turkish migrants in Germany predominantly focuses on German Turks' cultural manifestations and on their encounters with the majority society. It does so within a framework of reified ethnicity and/or a mystified `Turkish culture'. The present article concentrates on the anomalies of the social space occupied by German Turks in German society and will discuss life-styles, practices and emergent cultural forms in the context of hindered social mobility rather than in ethnic and cultural terms. The emphasis is on their social exclusion in terms of social mobility. This emphasis introduces a new dimension into discussions on the presence of Turkey in German Turks' lives and on their relationship with Turkey

Stephen Castles, `How nation-states respond to immigration and ethnic diversity':

Large scale migrations since 1945 have led to major changes in the ethnic composition of most highly-developed countries. Nations have responded in a variety of ways, which have helped determine patterns of ethnic group formation. This article suggest a typology of policy models: the differential exclusion model, the assimilation model, and the pluralist model. Examples are discussed for each model. The models are then linked to different historical patterns of nation-state formation. The differential exclusion model, which is based on the desire to prevent permanent settlement, has proved very hard to maintain because it leads to social tension and because it contradicts the democratic principle of including all members of civil society in the nation-state. Countries applying the assimilation model have generally moved to a mixed approach, embodying some elements of the pluralist model. This has led to difficulties, because of contradictions between explicit goals and actual policies. Pluralist approaches vary according to the degree of state intervention in settlement and community relations. On the whole they have proved most successful in incorporating immigrants into society.

Marc Swyngedouw, `The `threatening immigrant' in Flaanders, 1930-1980: redrawing the social space':

This article reveals the comparable social mechanisms which have generated the social construction of threatening immigrants in Europe in the 1930s and 1980s. The analysis builds on Bourdieu's theory of the construction of social space and genesis of social groups. This semiotic-praxiological approach is used to explain why the specific historical and social-economic conditions of the 1930s and 1980s have led to the construction of Jews and Muslims as threatening immigrants. Our discussion focuses on the example of the 'migrant problem' in historical and contemporary political discourse in Flanders (Belgium). Whereas by the closing years of the 1930s the term 'immigrant' was used almost exclusively to refer to Jews, in the 1980s the word was being used to refer to Turkish and Moroccan guest workers. Despite the specific historical and social circumstances of Jewish and Muslim immigrants it is possible to identify parallel social mechanisms and discourses in the redrawing of the social space to create 'threatening' immigrants/foreigners. These mechanisms are religion-based anti-Judaism and anti-Islamism, rapid social and economic change which fuels anti- Jewish/anti-Muslim feeling for economic reasons, and (cultural) racism which is legitimised by internationally disseminated ethnic nationalism.

John Fulton, `Ethnicity and state form in the division of Ireland':

A straightforward attempt to look at division in Ireland using the concept of ethnicity as central diagnostic has not so far been attempted. After a brief introduction to the Northern Ireland situation, this article explores how conflict there has been examined. It then goes on to see how much explanatory power has been given to the notion of ethnicity in the troubles of Northern Ireland, and clarifies key aspects of a general theory of ethnic groups or peoples. The multi-ethnicity of Ireland's recent past (17th to 19th centuries) and the compromise of 1921 is examined before the focus shifts to the key constituents of contemporary ethnicity throughout Ireland; the modifying role of the two states and three governments in the 20th century are also analysed, and the article concludes with a clarification of Britain's role.

Jackie West, `South Asian women in employment: the impact of migration, ethnic origin and the local economy':

This article presents original survey data on differences between Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Sikhs and Gujaratis in Britain in terms of women's own employment and their household circumstances, including men's position in the labour market. In arguing that differential economic activity is largely explained by familial responsibilities and economic opportunities, it emphasises in particular the impact of migration and of the local economy. The article also assesses South Asian women's experience of domestic labour and gendered obligations in the context of extensive material disadvantage. While it explores various dimensions of exclusion, including racism, it concludes by identifying a number of key issues affecting women's employment prospects in the future.

August Gächter, `Forced complementarity: the attempt to protect native Austrian workers from immigrants':

This article starts by describing and analysing the legal position of foreign nationals in Austrian society. It then proceeds to assess the outcome in terms of incomes, employment and unemployment, and to outline the conditions necessary for the legal regime to produce these results. In the final section some conceptual and policy implications are drawn out. Overall it is shown that a concept here called `forced complementarity' is an apt description of the legal regime prevailing in Austria, that it arose from the unusually central position of trade unions in the Austrian state, and that it has been producing paradoxical results. While intended to protect native workers against substitution by immigrants, it would in fact fuel these very processes, were it not curbed by harsh measures to foreclose further immigration, even of asylum seekers.

Michael Lyon, `London Patels: caste and commerce':

The Patels in many ways provide an ideal case for studying caste and commerce in Britain.They have originated from Charotar in the rural heartland of Gujarat. For many decades, the community has defied Indian traditional caste expectations of behaviour. Furthermore, as twice migrants, the Patels have retained a strong sense of identity and have entered into the business worlds of East Africa and the United Kingdom. This article addresses two key aspects of the Patel migratory experience and business achievement. Firstly, caste organisation in Charotar and London is explored through a discussion of field data from each context. This analysis not only demonstrates a complex system of differentiation within the caste but also provides an insight into the economic potentials within certain aspects of Hindu culture. Secondly, the business activities and acumen of the Patels are considered on the basis of a range of data sources. By analysing official records and interview data the article shows the mainstream nature of retail firms amongst Patels and suggests the line of future developments, towards more profitable and professional businesses. The article concludes by suggesting that the Patel community is culturally diverse, yet structurally cohesive and supportive. Patel firms in London are not culturally specialised and enclaved 'ethnic' businesses - but are commercially open, economically competitive and enterprising.