Does Spatial Concentration Always Mean a Lack of Integration? Exploring Ethnic Concentration and Integration in Toronto

Bibliographic Data

ID3611075
AuthorsRobert Murdie, Robert A Murdie (Schlumberger (Ireland), corresponding author), Sutama Ghosh (0000-0003-0237-9096, Schlumberger (Ireland), corresponding author)
Year2010
Volume36
Issue2
Pages293-311
Publication date2010-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueNew Community (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0047-9586 • E-ISSN: 1469-9451
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13691830903387410
OpenAlexW2039639070
LanguageEN
Citations received48
References cited29

Toronto is Canada's major immigrant-receiving city and contains a wide diversity of ethnic groups. Although Canadians are generally receptive to immigration there is evidence that some recent immigrant groups, especially those concentrated in Toronto's inner suburbs, are not faring well economically. In this research we question whether spatial concentration necessarily equates with a lack of integration. Specifically, we review Toronto's changing ethnic geography, comparatively evaluate the functional integration of selected ethnic groups who entered Toronto primarily in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s with those who came later, and provide a more subjective perspective on integration, drawing from the experiences of recently arrived Bangladeshi immigrants. The findings call into question traditional perspectives on ethnic concentration, especially the spatial assimilation model, and highlight the importance of considering subjective integration, particularly satisfaction with life in the new country, as a way of alleviating the barriers of weak functional integration. We conclude from the Toronto case study that spatial concentration does not necessarily equate with a lack of integration although, for disadvantaged recent immigrants who tend to be concentrated in inner-suburban enclaves, there may be cause for worry. The latter is of increasing concern to city officials and community agencies

Demographic economics · Disadvantaged · Economic geography · Economic growth · Ethnic group · Geography · Immigration · Political science · Social integration · Sociology · Worry · Anthropology · Gender Studies · Homelessness and Social Issues · Migration, Refugees, and Integration · Psychology · Urban, Neighborhood, and Segregation Studies

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