The Health Status and Healthcare Utilization of Ethnic Germans in Russia

Ethnic German resettlers from the former Soviet Union are one of the largest migrant groups in Germany. In comparison with the majority of the German population, resettlers exhibit worse subjective health and utilize fewer preventive measures. However, there is little evidence on health among ethnic Germans who remained in Russia. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the differences in subjective health, diabetes, smoking, and utilization of health check-ups between ethnic Germans and the majority population in Russia. We used data from the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey II from 1994 to 2018 (general population of Russia n = 41,675, ethnic Germans n = 158). Multilevel logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) adjusted for age, sex, period, and place of residence. Analyses were furthermore stratified by the periods 1994–2005 and 2006–2018. Ethnic Germans in Russia rated their health less often as good compared with the Russian majority population (OR = 0.67, CI = 0.48–0.92). Furthermore, ethnic Germans were more likely to smoke after 2006 (OR = 1.91, CI = 1.09–3.37). Lower subjective health among ethnic Germans in Russia is in line with findings among minority populations in Europe. Increased odds of smoking after 2006 may indicate the deteriorating risk behavior of ethnic Germans in Russia.

Translation Policy: A Tool to Digitally Empower or to Digitally Disempower Migrant Communities?

Digitally mediated communication in the public sector has changed how citizens and authorities communicate. Within this digital context, it has been identified that language problems may be an underlying cause of social exclusion for migrant groups (see Khorshed and Imran, 2015, p. 347), which seems to indicate that the lack of language proficiency in the host country’s language may give rise to new forms of digital divides in migratory contexts. Bearing this in mind, here we contend that, for migrants with language barriers, access to key digital services within the public sector can happen through translation provision, which may be used as a tool to digitally empower them. Thus, based on this logic, in this paper the digital empowerment (Mäkinen, 2006) of migrant communities is explored assessing to what extent the implementation of translation policy empowers migrants’ digital communication with the host country’ authorities within the public services. To this end, we will focus on a case study, the translation policy implemented in the case of the digital communication between the Spanish ministry for Migration and migrants in the case of two immigration procedures, which will be investigated from a descriptive stance using the methodological concept of domain. Our initial findings suggest that the translation policy implemented by this Spanish ministry results in diametrically opposed levels of migrants’ digital empowerment in our case study. Thus, arguably, even if translation policy could be used as a tool to digitally empower all migrants in our case study, it seems to be used as a tool to empower only some of them; the most powerful group of migrants

Generalised Trust among Second-Generation Muslim and Non-Muslim Minority Groups in Europe

This study compares generalised trust between second-generation Muslim and non- Muslim migrant groups in Europe, and examines the effect on trust of discrimination and cultural transmission. Analysis of data from the European Social Survey of 4,687 respondents in 32 European countries shows that second-generation Muslim groups have lower levels of trust than second-generation non-Muslim minority groups. The findings provide no evidence that Muslims’ lower levels of trust are due to discrimination and exclusion. Rather, results indicate that the differences are due to cultural transmission: Muslim groups originate more often from low-trust societies, and generalised trust is transmitted from one generation to the next.

Explaining Neighbourhood Variations in the Incidence of Dengue Fever in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia

The rapid growth and development of cities is a contributing factor to the rise and persistence of dengue fever (DF) in many areas around the world. Many studies have examined how neighbourhood environmental conditions contribute to dengue fever and its spread, but have not paid enough attention to links between socio-economic conditions and other factors, including population composition, population density, the presence of migrant groups, and neighbourhood environmental conditions. This study examines DF and its distribution across 56 neighbourhoods of Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia, where the incidence of dengue remains high. Using stepwise multiple regression analysis it focuses on the key ecological correlates of DF from 2006-2009, the years of the initial outbreak. Neighbourhood variations in average case rates per 10,000 population (2006–2009) were largely predicted by the Saudi gender ratio and socio-economic status (SES), the respective beta coefficients being 0.56 and 0.32 (p < 0.001). Overall, 77.1% of cases occurred in the poorest neighbourhoods. SES effects, however, are complex and were partly mediated by neighbourhood population density and the presence of migrant groups. SES effects persisted after controls for both factors, suggesting the effect of other structural factors and reflecting a lack of DF awareness and the lack of vector control strategies in poorer neighbourhoods. Neighbourhood environmental conditions, as measured by the presence of surface water, were not significant. It is suggested that future research pay more attention to the different pathways that link neighbourhood social status to dengue and wider health outcomes.

Te Tiriti in Conversation: A Qualitative Approach to Biculturalism and Multiculturalism in Aotearoa

<p>Aotearoa is a unique context with complex relationships between many cultural groups. As a result, there are various perspectives on whether society in Aotearoa should adopt biculturalism or multiculturalism to ensure cultural cohesion. This thesis examines the perspectives of two minority groups on this issue by discussing these two cultural approaches with indigenous Māori and migrant groups. Focus groups were held with ten Māori and twelve migrant participants. Participants were asked questions about what biculturalism and multiculturalism mean, how these systems operate in participants lives, and how Aotearoa should develop in regard to these systems. Thematic analysis was used to analyse and pool responses, with five themes identified: biculturalism, multiculturalism, generational changes, sustainability, and identity. Using these themes to help unpack how participants navigate life in Aotearoa, I conclude by discussing whether Aotearoa should be formally identifying as bicultural or multicultural, what a “New Zealand” national identity is to minority citizens, and how immigration policy could be shaped to better fit the ideals of our indigenous and “newest” New Zealanders.</p>

Te Tiriti in Conversation: A Qualitative Approach to Biculturalism and Multiculturalism in Aotearoa

<p>Aotearoa is a unique context with complex relationships between many cultural groups. As a result, there are various perspectives on whether society in Aotearoa should adopt biculturalism or multiculturalism to ensure cultural cohesion. This thesis examines the perspectives of two minority groups on this issue by discussing these two cultural approaches with indigenous Māori and migrant groups. Focus groups were held with ten Māori and twelve migrant participants. Participants were asked questions about what biculturalism and multiculturalism mean, how these systems operate in participants lives, and how Aotearoa should develop in regard to these systems. Thematic analysis was used to analyse and pool responses, with five themes identified: biculturalism, multiculturalism, generational changes, sustainability, and identity. Using these themes to help unpack how participants navigate life in Aotearoa, I conclude by discussing whether Aotearoa should be formally identifying as bicultural or multicultural, what a “New Zealand” national identity is to minority citizens, and how immigration policy could be shaped to better fit the ideals of our indigenous and “newest” New Zealanders.</p>

National and Ethnic Enclaves in the Modern World: Nature, Regulatory Instruments (Public Law Aspect). Part 1

National and ethnic enclaves constitute one of the forms of "parallel spaces" materialization (In the entire palette of inherent properties) and, therefore, it is legitimate to qualify them as a unique practice of refraction of the concept of multiculturalism. Historical experience has shown that the presumption of mutual desire for integration based on the recognition of the concept of multiculturalism as a guiding principle of relations (primarily in relation to European states and migrant groups within their borders) did not justify itself due to insufficient consideration of the entire scope of influencing factors (risks). On this basis, the author emphasizes the importance of applying an approach the structure of which includes differentiated complex methodological formulas (political and legal, socio-economic, national-cultural) that encourage harmonization of "foreign" authentic cultures (including religious practices, behavioural patterns in the framework of social environments) with a dominant and historically determined culture of the host community with the recognition of the primacy of its culture (including a heterogeneous nature).Enclaves are viewed as a spatial-geographical and socio-institutional phenomenon. The spatial and geographical component reflects the infrastructure landscape of the enclave, including the inherent economic, production, and environmental features in certain geographical coordinates (at the location). A socio-institutional variable characterizes a community that has appeared and functions by virtue of and within certain groups of co-identity parameters (national, religious, linguistic, legal (usually legal), etc.), emphasizes its inherent connections (internal and external). Under national-ethnic enclaves it is proposed to understand separate quasi-territorial formations, where, due to objectively forced conditions, national minorities (mainly migrant groups) live compactly (permanently or temporarily), adhering to an authentic way of life that differs from the generally accepted way (mainstream) in the host society. The paper highlights the characteristic imperative and optional features of enclaves, emphasizes the heterogeneous configuration of the social structure of enclaves, investigates the reasons for the formation and functions of ethno-national enclaves, identifies the similarities and differences between enclaves and ghettos and ethno-burbes.

Towards Understanding Post-Socialist Migrants’ Access to Physical Activity in the Nordic Region: A Critical Realist Integrative Review

Experiences of, and access and barriers to, physical activity (PA) differ between individuals. This becomes perpetuated in a migration context. Although there is super-diversity between migrant groups, health research rarely accounts for this cultural diversity. More concerningly, the matter of context is rarely scrutinized or juxtaposed with the specifics of certain ethnic groups. This integrative review assessed the evidence on post-socialist migrants’ PA levels, constraints, and enablers for PA in the Nordic region. The results show that post-socialist female migrants have an especially high risk of being physically inactive. The qualitative work elucidates socio-cultural factors that impose specific constraints on females when attempting to engage in PA. Furthermore, in scrutinizing the context, Nordic nature (Friluftsliv) is a viable way for migrants to access PA with additional health benefits (e.g., mental). However, the Nordic environment also poses specific PA challenges, such as harsh winters. This can be understood by considering post-socialist migrants’ prior use of, and attitude to, nature. The review highlights the importance of understanding specifics about both migrant groups and contexts through a critical-realist lens in the pursuit of providing PA opportunities. Future PA programs need to understand the contextual, sociohistorical, and cultural settings in which they and migrants are embedded.

Problematic Yet Needed: Shifting Problematisations of Migrant Reception in Malmö 1945–1970

This article describes and analyses by whom, in what ways and with what consequences migrant reception was performed in Malmö during the period 1945–1970 and how this changed over time. Inspired by Carol Bacchi’s ‘what’s the problem represented to be’ (wpr) approach, the article analyses the shifting problematisations of migrant reception in Malmö, and argues that there were two decisive shifts in Malmö’s migrant reception policy. With the help of Robert Miles’ concept of racialisation, the article shows that different migrant groups were racialised in different ways, depending on how they were depicted by the Swedish society. We also identify a gendered racialisation as women and men were racialised differently.