School Segregation: The Case of Amsterdam

Abstract

This article deals with some facets of school segregation in Amsterdam. As two-thirds of Amsterdam youth have a non-native background nowadays, this has implications for the composition of primary and secondary schools. Segregation in primary education has a lot to do with residential segregation, although the 'colour' of the neighbourhood is intensified at the school level. Segregation in secondary education has mainly to do with the educational level of various population groups and to a lesser extent with residential segregation. Parents, children and headmasters have been interviewed about their behaviour and policy on segregation. It is concluded that in some way they intensify the school segregation.