Immigratin in Great Britain, France and the Netherlands: A Comparison

Mgr. Nicole Joy Svoboda, B.A.

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis examines immigration in a comparative analysis of three Western European countries - France, Great Britain and the Netherlands. The aim of the paper is to assess the influence of the colonial past of these nations: to identify if there is a connection between the colonial legacies in contemporary migration patterns and to discern if there are continuities expressed in policies on integration. What has been found is that colonialism has had a bearing on the character of migration, and that it has played a significant but indirect role in shaping some policy areas, such as immigration and citizenship. Each country has demonstrated a particular inclination in its stance on immigration based on either an assimilationist or multicultural approach. This paper concludes, however, that a single coherent and bound integration model has not been strictly followed in the countries analyzed. Immigration has brought new issues to the fore, with questions about the shared values of societies that have become increasingly diverse. The success of integrating ethnic minorities is a key aspect for social cohesion, and achieving the right balance between assimilation and multiculturalism is a challenge that faces these European countries today.

Keywords

Citizenship, Colonialism, Europe, Immigration, Integration, Multiethnic Society

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 23. 5. 2006

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 13. 6. 2006
• Supervisor: JUDr. Mgr. Ivo Pospíšil, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
Political Science / European Politics (Eng.)