The Impact of Residential Segregation on Participation in Associations: The Case of Moroccan Women in Belgium

Abstract

This article discusses the impact of residential segregation on Moroccan minority women's participation in associations. Three neighbourhood contexts in and around the city of Antwerp, Belgium are compared. P. H. Collins' matrix of domination is used to distinguish the main dominance structures: male dominance, situation as a minority and Islam. Two activities that contribute to Moroccan women's integration in society are studied: ethno-religious associations and Dutch language courses. Participation is most advanced in the ethnic neighbourhood, while living in a small ethnic community or living isolated in the suburbs proves less conducive to integration. Most surprising is that women living in the suburbs are affected by the same restrictions and dominance structures as women in an ethnic neighbourhood.