Integration and perceived discrimination: two competing hypotheses tested among persons of Moroccan and Turkish descent in Belgium

Abstract

This paper examines the relation between the integration and perceived discrimination among persons of Moroccan and Turkish descent living in Flemish Belgium. Two opposing theories exist concerning this relationship. The assimilation theory (Gordon, 1964) posits that the more ethnic minorities are integrated into the country of residence, the less discrimination they perceive. The ethnic competition theory (Portes, Parker & Cobas, 1980) proposes the opposit: the more ethnic minorities integrate, the greater part their perception of unequal treatment. The two competing theories are tested quantitatively by regressing perceived personal discrimination and perceived discrimination of the ethnic group on a number of structural and social-cultural integration indicators and a series of background characteristics. Data are used from the Flemish Integration Survey 2008, a representative face-to-face survey in three multicultural cities (Antwerp, Genk and Ghent) designed by the Policy Research Centre on Equal Opportunities. Analyses show a mixed pattern of findings. Social-cultural integration appears to be negatively associated with perceiving group discrimination, thus supporting the assimilation theory. With respect to structural integration, the findings are more ambiguous. A high occupational level goes together with perceiving more personal discrimination. A prosperous financial situation, on the contrary, is related to less experiences of personal and group discrimination.