Diversity Policies as Tools to Increase Participation and Encounters

• Published in: Nordic Journal of Migration Research
• Main Author: Torill Nyseth
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Helsinki University Press 2021
• Subjects: diversity policies; integration; urban planning; encounter; participation; Colonies and colonization. Emigration and immigration. International migration; JV1-9480; Communities. Classes. Races; HT51-1595; Norway; Northern Norway
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.33134/njmr.379; https://doaj.org/article/55a7d45f02594d6a93e7ec73d5942038

Informed by the concept of diversity, this article discusses the issue of municipalities’ facilitation of ethnic diversity and integration in two cities in northern Norway. Municipalities are in a position to accommodate ethnic diversity in more pragmatic ways than the nation-state through local policies. We explore diversity policies in three different areas: democratic participation, urban planning, and cultural policies. The study finds ambivalences in the involvement of immigrants in urban planning processes and to some degree indifference in planning for diversity but also real attempts at recognition by giving immigrants a voice in local politics.