Volume 28, Number 2, April  2002

Articles
Report
Reviews
Abstracts

Articles

Geneviève Verberk, Peer Scheepers and Albert Felling
Attitudes and behavioural intentions towards ethnic minorities: an empirical test of several theoretical explanations for the Dutch case [Abstract]

Östen Wahlbeck
The concept of diaspora as an analytical tool in the study of refugee communities [Abstract]

Brett Klopp
The political incorporation of EU foreigners before and after Maastricht: the new local politics in Germany [Abstract]

Ruben Gowricharn
Integration and social cohesion: the case of the Netherlands [Abstract]

Mary E. Kelly and Joane Nagel
Ethnic re-identification: Lithuanian Americans and Native Americans [Abstract]

Simon Haddad
Cultural diversity and sectarian attitudes in postwar Lebanon [Abstract]

Dominic Malcolm
‘Clean bowled?’ Cricket, racism and equal opportunities [Abstract]

Ellis Cashmore
Behind the window dressing: ethnic minority police perspectives on cultural diversity [Abstract]

Ihsan Yilmaz
The challenge of post-modern legality and Muslim legal pluralism in England [Abstract]

Report

Michael Banton
Lessons from the 2001 World Conference Against Racism

Reviews

Abstracts

Geneviève Verberk, Peer Scheepers and Albert Felling
Attitudes and behavioural intentions towards ethnic minorities: an empirical test of several theoretical explanations for the Dutch case
Abstract  In recent decades, attitudes towards ethnic minorities have become a significant topic for research. A great deal of debate among researchers has concentrated on the distinction between ‘traditional’ overt attitudes and ‘contemporary’ covert attitudes towards ethnic minorities. In this article it is argued that the distinction between overt and covert unfavourable attitudes is extremely important in revealing the nature, social location, determinants and consequences of contemporary unfavourable attitudes in Dutch society. This article shows among which categories of education and social class the different forms of unfavourable attitudes are strongly prevalent. It also shows how the differences in people’s attitudes play a role in their intended behaviour towards ethnic minorities.
Keywords: Ethnic minorities; The Netherlands; Attitudes; Behaviour; Social class; Education
(Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies Vol. 28 No. 2: 197-219, © 2002 Taylor and Francis Ltd)

Östen Wahlbeck
The concept of diaspora as an analytical tool in the study of refugee communities
Abstract  This article proposes that the research area of refugee studies can benefit from contemporary discussions about the concepts of transnationalism and diaspora. It is argued that the concept of diaspora, understood as a transnational social organisation relating both to the society of origin and the society of settlement, can give a more profound understanding of the social reality in which refugees live. The article provides a brief presentation of current debates about transnationalism and diasporas. Empirical evidence from Kurdish refugee communities in Europe is used to highlight the fact that the concept of diaspora can provide an analytical tool for a sociological study of refugees in the country of exile. The article then goes on to argue that in order to be a constructive analytical tool, the concept of diaspora has to be regarded as an ideal type in the true Weberian sense of the term. Finally, some of the limitations and dangers associated with the concept of diaspora will be discussed.
Keywords: Refugee studies; Transnationalism; Diaspora; Kurdish communities
(Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies Vol. 28 No. 2: 221-238, © 2002 Taylor and Francis Ltd)

Brett Klopp
The political incorporation of EU foreigners before and after Maastricht: the new local politics in Germany
Abstract In this paper I argue against recent models of post-national and transnational membership that claim that the national-state model of citizenship has been superseded by a new type of membership, one that guarantees individual rights via international human rights norms. Second, I introduce the notion of reciprocal integration to explain the mechanisms of long-term resident alien (denizen) political incorporation that have contributed to the gradual transformation of national state citizenship. The local incorporation of long-term resident aliens has helped to weaken the link between historical ethno-cultural definitions of nationhood and citizenship, and it is in fact contributing to an emerging multicultural definition of ‘German’ citizenship. Despite the difficult and lengthy naturalisation procedures in Germany, the foreigner population has become increasingly involved in various forms of political participation. The paper focuses on both the pre- and post-Maastricht formal inclusion of EU foreigners in the local politics of Frankfurt am Main. I present ethnographic data from a foreigners’ parliament discussion of ‘common history’ and a Frankfurt Green Party strategy session following the first local elections to include EU foreigners as both voters and candidates.
Keywords: Reciprocal integration; Denizenship; Citizenship; Foreigners’ council; Post-Maastricht
(Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies Vol. 28 No. 2: 239-257, © 2002 Taylor and Francis Ltd)

Ruben Gowricharn
Integration and social cohesion: the case of the Netherlands
Abstract  The unemployment rate for most ethnic minorities in the Netherlands is higher than that of the host population. It is feared that ethnic minorities’ low labour market participation will constrain the overall social cohesion of Dutch society. Increased labour market participation of ethnic minorities is therefore considered as the most effective way to reduce the number of claimants and increase their social integration. The two questions to be addressed in this paper are to which extent the labour market is accessible for ethnic minorities in the Netherlands and whether their increased participation in work increases the level of general socio-economic welfare. The available data suggest that social exclusion on the job market continues to be a widespread practice. In most cases increased labour participation has succeeded only due to the creation of low-paid jobs in the public sector. However, in these echelons increased participation hardly leads to an increase in individual welfare. The labour market intervention has thus resulted in the emergence of a social stratum of working poor. It is questionable whether this outcome strengthens intended social cohesion.
Keywords: Ethnic minorities; Integration; Social cohesion; Labour market; Poverty; Social exclusion
(Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies Vol. 28 No. 2: 259-273, © 2002 Taylor and Francis Ltd)

Mary E. Kelly and Joane Nagel
Ethnic re-identification: Lithuanian Americans and Native Americans
Abstract This paper compares recent resurgences of racial/ethnic identity among Lithuanian Americans and Native Americans in the United States, and examines the phenomenon of ‘ethnic re-identification’, defined as the adoption of an ethnic identity after a period of non‑identification. This comparison of two very different groups – one a racial category comprised of a variety of diverse indigenous groups, the other a white ethnic ancestry category with some, but relatively much less internal differentiation – provides us with an opportunity to identify several general processes shaping ethnic re-identification. Similarities in patterns of ethnic re-identification in these two groups suggest that ethnic re‑identification tends to occur within particular historical epochs, for example the US civil rights era and the disintegration of the Soviet Union; often involves  specific symbolic moments, such as the occupation of Alcatraz Island or the Lithuanian declaration of independence; and tends to be bolstered by various forms of individual and collective ethnic action such as visits to ethnic homelands – whether countries or reservations – or protest activism. Ethnic re‑identification can both strengthen and weaken ethnic group solidarity: it is strengthened by the cultural renewal activities and inflow of resources generated by re‑identifying group members; but is weakened by debates about ethnic authenticity and group boundaries that result from the influx of new, often non-traditional members and the transformation of traditional practices and institutions that accompanies cultural renewal.
Keywords: Ethnic identity; Lithuanian Americans; Native Americans; Homeland; Ethnic authenticity
(Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies Vol. 28 No. 2: 275-289, © 2002 Taylor and Francis Ltd)

Simon Haddad
Cultural diversity and sectarian attitudes in postwar Lebanon
Abstract The objective of this study is to explore attitudes towards cultural diversity in postwar Lebanon. The examination focuses on three exploratory variables related to: distinct group consciousness; inter-group interaction; and perceived impact of cultural diversity. The data, collected between December 1999 and January 2000, come from a nationwide quota sample that comprised 1073 Lebanese respondents representing the six major religious communities in the country. The findings disclose that respondents manifest high levels of group consciousness and negative propensity for inter-group interaction, though these trends are not uniform from one confessional group to another. As long as no common identity is emphasised, cultural diversity appears to threaten national unity.
Keywords: Religious communities; Group consciousness; Confessional identity; Ethnic cohesion; Inter-group relations
(Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies Vol. 28 No. 2: 291-306, © 2002 Taylor and Francis Ltd)

Dominic Malcolm
‘Clean bowled?’ Cricket, racism and equal opportunities
Abstract  This paper seeks to evaluate the ‘racial equality’ policy of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). A review of current research illustrates that much of the discrimination in the game is neither recognised nor addressed in this policy document. In light of the evidence presented, the paper concludes by arguing that to move closer towards equality of opportunity within cricket, not only must a range of current practices be reformed, but also the role of the ideological connections between Englishness, cricket and the ‘village green’ needs to be re-examined.
Keywords: Cricket; Equal opportunities; Policy; Migrant workers; racism
(Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies Vol. 28 No. 2: 307-325, © 2002 Taylor and Francis Ltd)

Ellis Cashmore
Behind the window dressing: ethnic minority police perspectives on cultural diversity
Abstract  Bedrock assumptions about the benefits of recruiting more ethnic minority police officers and enhancing cultural diversity training for police are critically evaluated by black and Asian police officers in Britain. Neither policy finds favour among groups which articulate a previously concealed interpretation of such aims: that their value lies in presenting an outward image of action rather than furthering the public good. The research reported in this paper – the first to have gained the cooperation of British police services – involved unstructured interviews with officers from African Caribbean and South Asian backgrounds. The interviews took place in the eighteen months following the publication of the Macpherson Report in February 1999 and reflected some of the policy recommendations made by the report, which was based on the inquiry into the death of Stephen Lawrence. Interviewees analyse the two central policy directives advanced by both the Macpherson Report and the Scarman Report, which had been published eighteen years before. Both policies concern the enhancement of cultural diversity as a way of combating racism. Cynically regarded in some quarters as 'window dressing', the policies are not seen as helpful, nor even harmless, but as pernicious in that they contrive to give the appearance of progress, while actually achieving little. Interviews were subject to strict confidentiality and conducted in circumstances of the officers' choice in the effort to minimise any inhibitions about expressing views candidly. The officers' perspective is revealed by extensive use of verbatim quotations which drive the narrative of the article. They indicate how far the viewpoints of ethnic minority officers contrast with official policy.
Keywords:  Ethnic minority police; Lawrence case; Macpherson Report; Recruitment targets; Cultural diversity training
(Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies Vol. 28 No. 2: 327-421, © 2002 Taylor and Francis Ltd)

Ihsan Yilmaz
The challenge of post-modern legality and Muslim legal pluralism in England
Abstract  This paper endeavours to show that one can speak of legal pluralism in the English context. Muslim law in Britain exists both on an official level, where recognition is given by the legal system, and on an unofficial level where the official legal system refuses its recognition. Unofficial Muslim law has been applied in non-dispute situations of everyday lives of Muslims. Marriages and divorces are arranged according to the rules of Muslim law and customs. Muslim individuals apply relevant law in various contextual situations aiming to meet the demands of different overlapping normative orderings. This post-modern phenomenon reminds us that legal modernity has limits and that legal post-modernity is a reality.
Keywords: English law; Muslim law; Post-modernity; Legal pluralism; Family law
(Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies Vol. 28 No. 2: 343-354, © 2002 Taylor and Francis Ltd)