29.5.2023

In recent decades, Europe has experienced a significant increase in immigrant populations from diverse cultural backgrounds. This demographic shift has brought about various challenges and opportunities for both the immigrants and the host societies. The term “ghetto” refers to a distinct cultural and social phenomenon that emerges within disadvantaged urban neighborhoods, commonly referred to as ghettos. It is important to note that the term “ghetto” should not be generalized or applied to all disadvantaged communities, as it can perpetuate stereotypes and stigmatization. Among the complex issues associated with immigration, the concept of “ghettoization” has garnered attention, describing the clustering of immigrant communities in specific neighborhoods. This article aims to explore the phenomenon of immigrant ghettos in Europe, shedding light on the underlying factors, challenges faced by these communities, and the strength and resilience they exhibit in their pursuit of integration.

The ghetto subculture is characterized by unique values, norms, behaviors, and patterns of social interaction that develop within these specific communities. It emerges as a response to the socioeconomic challenges, marginalization, and limited opportunities faced by residents living in these neighborhoods[1]. The term “ghetto” often carries negative connotations, invoking images of poverty, social exclusion, and isolation. However, it is essential to approach the discussion of immigrant ghettos with a nuanced perspective. Ghettoization can be attributed to numerous factors, including economic disparities, language barriers, cultural preservation, discrimination, and a sense of familiarity and support within a community of shared experiences. It is crucial to avoid simplifying the reasons behind the ghetto formation and to consider the diverse dynamics.

The concentration of poverty on first-generation migrants can have notable implications for the second generation, as the children of immigrants. Poverty concentration refers to the phenomenon of a disproportionately high concentration of individuals or households living in poverty within specific geographic areas, such as neighborhoods, communities, or regions[2]. Growing up in poverty-concentrated neighborhoods can restrict the access of second-generation migrants to essential resources and opportunities. These may include quality education, healthcare services, recreational facilities, and safe environments. The lack of access to these resources can hinder their social mobility, educational attainment, and overall, their well-being.

Second-generation migrants from such areas may encounter barriers to academic success stemming from overcrowded classrooms, inadequate funding, and a lack of support services. Due to the limited social networks and exposure to diverse fields, it is more challenging for them to envision and accomplish their aspirations[3].

The second generation may experience prejudice and negative stereotypes associated with their neighborhood or immigrant background, which can impact their opportunities, and social interactions while facing higher levels of stigmatization and discrimination. This perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage, hindering upward mobility and integration opportunities for them. 

The second generation often grapples with navigating between their cultural heritage and the societal norms of the host country[4]. Poverty concentration can intensify the preservation of cultural identities within immigrant communities, but it is valuable to give an excessive emphasis on the culture of their host countries in order to reach full integration into the broader society. Consequently, urban planning often forms racial segregation by facilitating ethnic separateness[5].

Even though the experiences of the second generation are diverse, and not all individuals within this group are equally affected by poverty concentration, factors such as personal resilience, family support, access to social networks, and available opportunities can influence outcomes[6].

A state can mitigate the impact of poverty concentration on the second generation by implementing targeted economic and social interventions and policies.  The first action is improving educational resources in disadvantaged zones, enhancing social support systems, promoting inclusive social integration, tackling discrimination and stigmatization, providing training programs, and reducing economic disparities. By addressing the root causes of poverty concentration and providing equal opportunities, societies can empower the second generation of migrants to overcome the challenges they face and reach their full potential.

CITATIONS

Anderson, Elijah. “The Iconic Ghetto.” The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, vol. 642, 2012, pp. 8–24, www.jstor.org/stable/23218459?searchText=ghetto&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dghetto&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3Adad60141e3c64a896664ec06457fe595

Marcuse, Peter. “Space over Time: The Changing Position of the Black Ghetto in the United States.” Netherlands Journal of Housing and the Built Environment, vol. 13, no. 1, 1998, pp. 7–23, www.jstor.org/stable/41107729?searchText=ghetto&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dghetto&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3Adad60141e3c64a896664ec06457fe595

Njoh, Ambe J. “Europeans, Modern Urban Planning and the Acculturation of “Racial Others.” Planning Theory, vol. 9, no. 4, 2010, pp. 369–378, www.jstor.org/stable/26004243?searchText=racial%20urban%20planning&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dracial%2Burban%2Bplanning&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A87171cc460ec096631e29242cdb2215a  

Peterson, Paul E. “The Urban Underclass and the Poverty Paradox.” Political Science Quarterly, vol. 106, no. 4, 1991, p. 617, https://doi.org/10.2307/2151796

SHELBY, TOMMIE. “Justice, Deviance, and the Dark Ghetto.” Philosophy & Public Affairs, vol. 35, no. 2, Mar. 2007, pp. 126–160, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1088-4963.2007.00106.x

Wirth, Louis. “The Ghetto.” American Journal of Sociology, vol. 33, no. 1, 1927, pp. 57–71, www.jstor.org/stable/2765040?searchText=ghetto&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dghetto&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3Adad60141e3c64a896664ec06457fe595

[1] SHELBY, TOMMIE. “Justice, Deviance, and the Dark Ghetto.” Philosophy & Public Affairs, vol. 35, no. 2, Mar. 2007

[2] Quillian, Lincoln. “Segregation and Poverty Concentration.” American Sociological Review, vol. 77, no. 3, 30 May 2012, pp. 354–379

[3] Peterson, Paul E. “The Urban Underclass and the Poverty Paradox.” Political Science Quarterly, vol. 106, no. 4, 1991, p. 617

[4]Marcuse, Peter. “Space over Time: The Changing Position of the Black Ghetto in the United States.” Netherlands Journal of Housing and the Built Environment, vol. 13, no. 1, 1998, pp. 7–23

[5]Njoh, Ambe J. “Europeans, Modern Urban Planning and the Acculturation of “Racial Others.” Planning Theory, vol. 9, no. 4, 2010, pp. 369–378

[6] Anderson, Elijah. “The Iconic Ghetto.” The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, vol. 642, 2012, pp. 8–24