Abstract
Social connections are central in addressing cross-cutting policy challenges around spatial
inequalities, refugee integration and community cohesion in superdiverse societies. This
paper draws out lessons that have emerged from the authors’ research on the characteristics
of places that facilitate social interaction and feelings of belonging in diverse communities.
The connections between residents, including people from a migrant or refugee background,
are often based on shared interests and not exclusively on shared characteristics. In reflecting
“common interest infrastructures” or, more simply “good places to meet”, this paper evidences
the value of multifunctional, inclusive spaces such as churches, community centres and third
sector hubs in offering opportunities for community connection, reciprocal care and resilience
building. The paper offers critical reflections on the impact of contradictory policy narratives
around community cohesion, migrant integration and place-based interventions. It proposes
future directions for policymaking and local planning to tackle socio-economic deprivation as
a driver of mistrust and social fragmentation. The authors argue for the sustainably funded,
community-led social infrastructure in anchoring people both to new localities and their
changing communities.
inequalities, refugee integration and community cohesion in superdiverse societies. This
paper draws out lessons that have emerged from the authors’ research on the characteristics
of places that facilitate social interaction and feelings of belonging in diverse communities.
The connections between residents, including people from a migrant or refugee background,
are often based on shared interests and not exclusively on shared characteristics. In reflecting
“common interest infrastructures” or, more simply “good places to meet”, this paper evidences
the value of multifunctional, inclusive spaces such as churches, community centres and third
sector hubs in offering opportunities for community connection, reciprocal care and resilience
building. The paper offers critical reflections on the impact of contradictory policy narratives
around community cohesion, migrant integration and place-based interventions. It proposes
future directions for policymaking and local planning to tackle socio-economic deprivation as
a driver of mistrust and social fragmentation. The authors argue for the sustainably funded,
community-led social infrastructure in anchoring people both to new localities and their
changing communities.
| Original language | English |
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| Number of pages | 11 |
| Publication status | Published - 23 May 2024 |
Publication series
| Name | Social and Cultural Infrastructure for People and Policy: Discussion Papers |
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Keywords
- social connections
- community development
- integration
- superdiversity
- non-profit infrastructure
Access to Document
- Social-and-cultural-infrastructure-for-people-and-policy
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