It is widely recognized that refugee integration occurs most effectively within communities that are rich in inter-cultural social capital. This paper explores the dangers associated with intensely bonded and disconnected communities and the relationship between refugee marginalization and the presence of youth gangs. Drawing upon a small-scale qualitative study with young refugees in Glasgow, it seeks to explore the extent to and ways in which these young people experience social bonding and bridging and participate in gang culture. The findings suggest that excessive bonding social capital often limits opportunities for inter-cultural integration in Glasgow. Gang membership, although driven primarily by territorial issues, provides one site for ethnic solidarity and racial prejudice. The paper considers the potential for community initiatives to build inter-cultural cohesion, and ends by calling for changes to dispersal policy and for further research to explore the most effective vehicles for building social capital in multi-ethnic urban communities.
Latest News
Doctoral and Early Career Training School 'Researching the Experiences of Police Stops' - Call for Expressions of Interest
We are beginning to learn more about the practice of stops and searches conducted in public spaces by police officers.…
Read moreIdentifying and tackling problematic or abusive forms of police selectivity.
An action research on the problematic practices and/or mechanisms of police district of Schaerbeek-Evere-St-Josse (PolBruNo). Carroll Tange and Sarah Van…
Read moreGeorge Floyd
Watching a police officer murder a man in full view is horrifying. We feel suffocated watching it – but it…
Read morePolstops partners at the ESC2019
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about Polstops at the European Society of Criminology! Megan O’Neill will be chairing…
Read moreWould you like to know more?
Contact UsWant to take part of this Action?
How to join
COST Action COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. Our Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career and innovation.
Know more +