Neither Trust nor Distrust: Social relations in a multi-ethnic neighbourhood in Copenhagen

TY - JOUR

T1 - Neither Trust nor Distrust

T2 - Social relations in a multi-ethnic neighbourhood in Copenhagen

AU - Jensen, Tina Gudrun

PY - 2016

Y1 - 2016

N2 - This article deals with the politicised notions of trust and social cohesion in urban spaces through a focus on practices of everyday relations in a mixed neighbourhood. Quantitative studies maintain that ethnically diverse neighbourhoods lack in trust and solidarity. However, the very meaning and effect of concepts such as `diversity`, `contact` and `trust´ are often unclear. This article challenges both the politicised assumptions and methodological basis for statements on trust as a condition for coexistence. Drawing on fieldwork in a multi-ethnic social housing estate in Copenhagen, this article explores residents´ understandings of diversity, contact and trust. The article argues that trust and strong ties may not be the prerequisite for coexistence in neighbourhoods, where the micro-politics of everyday contacts predominate.

AB - This article deals with the politicised notions of trust and social cohesion in urban spaces through a focus on practices of everyday relations in a mixed neighbourhood. Quantitative studies maintain that ethnically diverse neighbourhoods lack in trust and solidarity. However, the very meaning and effect of concepts such as `diversity`, `contact` and `trust´ are often unclear. This article challenges both the politicised assumptions and methodological basis for statements on trust as a condition for coexistence. Drawing on fieldwork in a multi-ethnic social housing estate in Copenhagen, this article explores residents´ understandings of diversity, contact and trust. The article argues that trust and strong ties may not be the prerequisite for coexistence in neighbourhoods, where the micro-politics of everyday contacts predominate.

U2 - 10.1515/njmr-2016-0009

DO - 10.1515/njmr-2016-0009

M3 - Journal article

SN - 1799-649X

VL - 6

SP - 25

EP - 32

JO - Nordic Journal of Migration Research

JF - Nordic Journal of Migration Research

IS - 1

M1 - Special Issue Article

ER -