Social class versus cultural identity as factors in the residential segregation of ethnic groups in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver for 2001

Abstract

This article examines the relevance of the spatial assimilation model in understanding residential segregation of ethnic groups in the three largest gateway cities of Canada. Using data from the census of 2001 it finds that while the model may have worked for the European groups they are less applicable to the visible minorities such as the Chinese, South Asians and Blacks. Residential segregation reduces with generation for the European groups but not for the visible minorities. Canadian patterns seem to be different from that seen in the United States. Many visible minority groups maintain their concentration levels even in the suburbs. The findings seem to indicate that cultural preferences may be just as important as social class in the residential choices of visible minority groups.Key Words: Cultural identity, residential segregation, visible minorities T. R. Balakrishnan, Paul Maxim and Rozzet Jurdi 204 RésuméCet article examine la pertinence du modèle d'assimilation spatiale dans la compréhension de la ségrégation résidentielle des groupes ethniques dans les trois villes « portes d'entrée » les plus importantes du Canada. En s'appuyant sure les données du Recensement de 2001, cet article démontre que même si ce modèle ait pu fonctionner pour les groupes européens, il ne s'applique pas autant aux groupes tels que les Chinois, les Sud-Asiatiques et les Noirs. La ségrégation résidentielle diminue avec les générations chez les groupes européens mais ceci n'est pas le cas chez les groupes de minorités visibles. Les tendances canadiennes semblent être différentes que celles observées aux États-Unis. Beaucoup de groupes de minorités visibles maintiennent leur niveau de concentration même dans les banlieues. Les études menées semblent indiquer que la préférence culturelle pourrait jouer un rôle aussi important que la classe sociale dans les choix de résidence que prennent les minorités visibles.

Understanding the Role of the Ethnic Density Effect: Issues of Acculturation, Discrimination and Social Support

“…These variations between samples and contexts are difficult to explain. While different ethnic groups do not adjust in the same way (Das‐Munshi et al, ), as mentioned in the introduction, it is also possible that heritage acculturation may play a larger role with more recent immigrants in contexts where multiple mainstream groups exist and cultural segregation is relatively more pronounced, as in Montreal (see Balakrishnan et al, ; Bourhis et al, ). In turn, mainstream acculturation may be more relevant to mental health in less segregated contexts with only one dominant culture.…”

“…Explanations for such differences remain elusive. One possibility is that Vancouver and Montreal are culturally and linguistically different population centers, with Montreal showing more ethnic segregation according to census tract analysis compared with Vancouver (see Balakrishnan, Maxim, & Jurdi, 2005). Thus, heritage acculturation may play a larger role with more recent immigrants in contexts where multiple mainstream groups exist and cultural segregation is more pronounced, as in Montreal, which already includes two mainstream cultural groups-English and French Canadian (Bourhis, Montaruli, Geledi, Harvey, & Barrette, 2010).…”

The housing preferences and location choices of second-generation South Asians living in ethnic enclaves

“…These theories are also limiting in that they assume immigrants are socioeconomically disadvantaged and that socioeconomic mobility can be used as a measure of their integration into society (Balakrishnan & Hou, 1999, p. 201;Boyd, 2002;Hiebert, 2000). Balakrishnan (1990) also criticised traditional theories that assume involuntary segregation and the formation of ghettos, where in Canada this may not be the case (Balakrishnan, Maxim, & Jurdi, 2005;Bauder & Sharpe, 2002;Fong, 1996;Logan, Alba, & Zhang, 2002).…”

“…300-302). In Toronto, this has allowed immigrants to settle with the population as a whole and locate directly to the periphery creating more heterogeneous communities (Balakrishnan & Hou, 1999;Balakrishnan, Maxim, & Jurdi, 2005;Hiebert, 2000;Kalbach, 1990;Ray, Haiseth, & Johnson, 1997;Teixeira, 2007, p. 499). This trend toward voluntary clustering persists so that social interactions can be maximised to sustain ethnic stores, entertainment, restaurants, maintain heritage/culture, language, values, norms, familiar surroundings, economic assistance, gain employment and access to other resources (Balakrishnan, Maxim, & Jurdi, 2005;Borjas, 2006;Logan, Alba, & Zhang, 2002;Peach, 2005;Zhou, 1992).…”

“…Qadeer and Agrawal (2010) confirm this in their study of ethnic enclaves in Toronto demonstrating an increase in concentration for the Jewish, Chinese, and South Asian populations. In general, studies show a hierarchy of residential segregation among groups in Canada where whites are the least clustered and minorities the most concentrated, even when controlling for socioeconomic status (Balakrishnan T. R., 1982;Balakrishnan, Maxim, & Jurdi, 2005;Kalbach, 1987;Richmond, 1967).…”