Beyond the isolation thesis: exploring the links between residential concentration and immigrant integration in the Netherlands

Abstract

Residential concentration is often referred to as an obstacle to the integration of immigrant minorities. Originating from Wilson’s isolation thesis (Wilson, W. J. 1987. The Truly Disadvantaged: The Inner City, the Underclass, and Public Policy. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.), it is assumed that the high ratio of minorities in the neighbourhood decreases chances for social integration, which consequently affects other aspects of integration. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis on the topic by simultaneously examining the links between residential concentration and social, economic and identificational integration outcomes. We perform a quantitative analysis using data from the first wave of The Netherlands Longitudinal Lifecourse Study (NELLS 2009; N = 1,973), which provides a sample of Turkish and Moroccan origin residents in the Netherlands. The results show that a higher ratio of non-Western origin residents is linked to lower likelihood of social relations with natives. While social ties are indeed related to other integration outcomes, living in a more concentrated neighbourhood is not associated with worse integration outcomes in employment, income, and affiliation with Dutch identity. Consequently, we challenge the isolation thesis as a universal model and highlight instead the importance of the quality of relations and the relevance of neighbourhood social context for disadvantaged members of society.