Transnational Soup: Translating Local Integration Policies Across Borders
20 March 2013, 6:00 pm
Event Information
Open to
- All
Location
-
UCL Geography (Exhibition Room, G07, the Pearson Building, Gower Street, see www.ucl.ac.uk/maps)
Hannah Jones, Research Associate, Department of Social Policy and Criminology, The Open University
and
Ben Gidley, Senior Researcher, Centre on Migration Policy and Society, University of Oxford
Discussant: Prof Allan Cochrane, Faculty of Social Sciences, The Open University
Abstract: This paper explores how European cities develop and innovate in policies for migrant integration, and how these policies might be researched transnationally. It isbased on empirical research [1] into the role of local and regional authorities in integration, and the importance of communication and public attitudes. Our research suggests that adoption of promising practices might be most effective when more radically adapted to suit local contexts. The paper reflects on the methodological problems of comparison and how municipalities might learn from each other despite these challenges. We relate this to broader theoretical discussions about the possibilities of comparison in urban studies, and the particular problems of methodological and conceptual nationalism. While not arguing for a return to these reductive approaches, we argue that in policy implementation as well as in theoretical work, it is necessary to recognize the complexities of local and national context when translating practice.
All are welcome, please circulate widely to interested researchers and students who are invited to subscribe to receive notices at www.theurbansalon.org.
We usually stay for a while after the talks to meet fellow urban researchers from across London colleges, do bring drinks/snacks to share.