Urban economic restructuring and ethnic segregation in Dusseldorf

Ethnic segregation remains a conflicting issue and an important factor in understanding the dynamics of ethnically pluralistic cities. The question of segregation is seen in a widened context of the post-Fordist urban restructuring process. Ethnic minorities are facing growing social polarization trends. Because of severe qualification deficiencies they are threatened by a growing mismatch on the labour market. Segregation in schools is seen as a factor diminishing achievement in the educational system and prospects on the labour market. A multi-level longitudinal analysis documents for Dusseldorf varying segregation patterns with relatively high spatial stability over time. The housing market is seen as the determining factor of segregation.