Social capital, political participation and migration in Europe : making multicultural democracy work?Upplaga 2011

How can European societies more effectively promote the active engagement of immigrants and their children in the political and civic life of the countries where they live? This groundbreaking collection of essays is the first to provide an empirical and comparative account of the political integration of migrants in Europe. Using data from a unique study conducted in ten European cities, and survey data from more than 10,000 individuals, this book shows how migrants' individual attributes and resources, their social capital, and the political opportunities provided by political institutions and public discourses shape their political integration. Social Capital, Political Participation and Migration in Europe shows that migrants resources -- such as education and language proficiency -- are crucial determinants of migrants' capacity to engage with politics. Equally, it discusses how certain types of social capital can be particularly beneficial in achieving migrants political inclusion. Finally, and importantly, this book demonstrates that certain legal, policy and discursive approaches are more effective than others in including migrants in the political community.