Diversity in Local Political Practice

Local authorities respond to the increasing socio-cultural heterogeneity of urban populations by implementing policies that acknowledge diversity and ensure more equality and inclusive public services. The book focuses on cities in France and Germany,two major immigration countries in Europe,and examines how local actors use their powers to address these challenges.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The growing socio-cultural diversity of urban populations presents local authorities with a complex and multifaceted challenge. While previous studies have often concentrated on policy declarations, the eight chapters in this book offer a wealth of evidence on the content and implementation of local policies. Furthermore, several chapters provide theoretical insights into the factors driving or hindering policies that acknowledge socio-cultural heterogeneity and aim to ensure greater equality and inclusive public services.

The primary focus of the book is on cities in France and Germany, which are two major immigration countries in Europe. These countries feature a strong position for local authorities within the state structure, making them key players in addressing the challenges of socio-cultural diversity. The contributions in this book analyze how local actors utilize their powers to promote more equal public employment, adapt cultural offers and recreational facilities to meet the diverse needs of their population, and combat discrimination.

In addition, further chapters explore the involvement of different stakeholders in policy formulation and seek to explain the factors that influence cities' decisions regarding strategies and practices. As a whole, this book contributes to the comparative study of societal diversity and local politics in France and Germany, and will be of interest to academics, researchers, and advanced students of Sociology, Public Policy, Law, and Political Science.

This book was originally published as a special issue of "Ethnic and Racial Studies."

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367696351