The Economics and Politics of Dedicated Funerary Provision for Migrant and Minority Groups: A Perspective from the Netherlands

Abstract

AbstractThe present chapter analyses the economic, political and cultural factors that enhance or limit dedicated funerary provision for migrant and minority groups. The chapter underscores the importance of a clear analysis of the specific local conditions. To demonstrate the impact of contextual factors, the chapter offers an analysis of how migratory trends in the Netherlands as well as cultural, political and economic trends at the municipal level have knock-on effects for funerary provision. At the same time, researchers, planners and policy makers need to be aware of a significant “diversity within diversity-readiness”: there is considerable (historical and contemporary) variation of funerary provision that can claim to “include” (accommodate, integrate and/or assimilate) migrant and minority groups. In this vein, the chapter distinguishes four “ideal types” of cemetery design. The chapter argues for a framework (“Eight Factor Framework of specific funerary provision for minority and migrant groups”), which can serve as a heuristic tool for researchers and stakeholders who need to decide on dedicated funerary facilities. The chapter concludes by suggesting that “free fields”, with few restrictions on the placement and adornments of graves, might be a fairer and more cost-effective way of accommodating the ritual needs of members of smaller minorities than separate funerary facilities aimed at different ethnic and religious groups.