DIVERCITIES

"Governing Urban Diversity: Creating Social Cohesion, Social Mobility and Economic Performance in Today's Hyper-diversified Cities"

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The central hypothesis of this project is that socio-economic, socio-demographic, ethnic and cultural diversity can positively affect social cohesion, economic performance and social mobility of individuals and groups. A better social cohesion, higher economic performance and increased chances for social mobility will make European cities more liveable and more competitive. In this period of long-term economic downturn (or sometimes even crisis) and increasing competition from countries elsewhere in the world (e.g. China, India), it is important to find out how and under which circumstances European's urban diversity can be turned into social and economic advantages. Many current urban policies lack a positive view on urban diversity, because they generally focus on the negative aspects of diversity, such as intolerance, racism, discrimination and insecurity. New policies, instruments and governance arrangements are needed, and sometimes they already exist. We have to find out how they have become successful and how they can be implemented elsewhere. When we acknowledge the hyper-diversity of our urban societies, we also have to acknowledge that these societies cannot flourish from standard or general approaches aiming at, for example, economic growth or better housing or more liveable neighbourhoods. Increasingly, more diverse, more tailored arrangements are needed, arrangements that have an eye for hyper-diverse cities and communities. As a result of the project, new and innovative policy instruments and governance arrangements will be suggested that (a) recognise urban diversity as a positive aspect; (b) increase interaction and communication between the diversity of groups in urban society; and (c) increase participation to satisfy the needs of the communities. The project thus aims at finding out how urban diversity influences three core issues: social cohesion, economic performance and social mobility and how governance arrangements help to strengthen this.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Ways in which socioeconomic, socio-demographic, ethnic and cultural diversity can have a positive effect on social cohesion, economic performance and social mobility is worth considering

Descrizione progetto (Article)

With the current economic situation in Europe, better social cohesion, higher economic performance and increased opportunities for social mobility are all ways to improve cities and make them more competitive. However, urban policies currently in place do not always consider urban diversity in a positive light. As such, new policies are called for as well as undertaking an assessment of successful policies.

In light of this, the EU-funded DIVERCITIES project is suggesting innovative policy instruments and government arrangements to help view urban diversity positively, increase interaction between urban groups and expand participation.

The four-year project involves a research team running a comparative study in 13 European cities as well as in Toronto, Canada. Case studies are being utilised in diverse neighbourhoods with the project also seeking to improve the knowledge base for policymakers on different levels.

Once the project is completed, the potential impact will be for new more diverse and tailored arrangements for economic growth as well as better housing within more liveable neighbourhoods.