Dr. Anja van Heelsum is associate professor at the Department of Political Science. She is the coordinator of the H2020 project “Advancing Alternative Migration Government” (http://admigov.eu) Topics of her research include: ethnic identity, political participation of immigrants, migrant organisations, city policies on immigrants and Islam. Regional interest: Mediterranean area (Spain, Greece, Turkey, Morocco) and Africa (Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea).Anja was a visiting researcher at the Dutch Institute in Morocco - NIMAR - in Rabat. She's also regularly in Ethiopia (University of Mek'ele and Addis Abeba).
Migration journeys are full of risk, navigated not just by physical obstacles but also by emotion... more Migration journeys are full of risk, navigated not just by physical obstacles but also by emotional tides. This study explores how the fluctuation of hope and despair plays a role in dealing with risks. Drawing upon in-depth interviews with Afghans in Turkey, this paper demonstrates that hope and despair fluctuate along migration journeys contingent upon three elements: (1) empirical evidence about the future, (2) (un)certainty and potential in the future, and (3) the agency or capability to act. The research finds that hope arises when the future is perceived as uncertain, offering individuals alternative pathways and restoring a sense of agency by transforming uncertainty into potentiality. Conversely, despair sets in when individuals perceive their near future as certain, devoid of alternatives. This sense of certainty about the near future leaves migrants feeling trapped, akin to being stuck in a whirlpool.
Article in the Journal of International Migration and Integration, 2024
Taking the case of the Netherlands, we compare integration outcomes of the traditional asylum rec... more Taking the case of the Netherlands, we compare integration outcomes of the traditional asylum reception system (implementing the Refugee Convention), applied to, for example, Syrians and Afghans, and the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) which is applied to Ukrainians. We show that the TPD is not just less costly for receiving countries but also results in much faster labor market integration. While rapid integration is an important policy goal, the traditional asylum system is not effective, and talents are underutilized. We show how spatial and temporal aspects of the asylum procedures for Common European Asylum System (CEAS) refugees lead to slow integration, while Ukrainians under TPD work immediately and can build connections in Dutch society.
Opkomst en partijvoorkeur van migranten bij de gemeenteraadsverkiezingen van, 2006
In this paper (in Dutch) we investigate voting behaviour of immigrant groups in the Dutch municip... more In this paper (in Dutch) we investigate voting behaviour of immigrant groups in the Dutch municipal elections in 2006. Exit polls were organised in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Breda and Arnhem and in total 7136 filled in a short questionnaire with questions about, party choice, and arguments to vote for a certain party. The turn out of four major ethnic groups was also calculated. The tables in the report are easy to read for non Dutch speakers.
Muslim Organisations' Response to Stigmatisation in the Media Protest, Adaptation or Decoupling, 2020
In the heated media debate on Muslims and Islam, the role of community represen- tatives is under... more In the heated media debate on Muslims and Islam, the role of community represen- tatives is understudied. This article will first use original research see to what extent Muslims get the chance to speak out in newspapers in Western Europe, and then dem- onstrate through findings from interviews how representatives of Muslim organisa- tions operate in the media. We build on Kerstin Rosenow-Williams’s perspectives in combining two features, namely 1) the internal and external role of representatives of Muslim organisations, and 2) the active-passive dimension of responses to preju- dice and stigmatisation as suggested in social psychology, and will distinguish three patterns: protest, adaptation and decoupling. Throughout the article, we zoom in on the remarkable dissimilarity between the UK and Germany. The British case shows a larger Muslim presence in the newspapers and the tendency of Muslim representatives to use a protest strategy, while the German case shows a lack of Muslim actors in the newspapers and a tendency of Muslim representatives to use an adaptation strategy.
The relationship between media discourses and experiences of belonging: Dutch Somali perspectives, 2016
This article explores the relationship between media discourses and experiences of belonging. Stu... more This article explores the relationship between media discourses and experiences of belonging. Studies on Muslims and the media have suggested that there is a largely negative discourse about Muslims in Western countries. As a result, the 'othering' processes that occur in the media may impact how Muslim citizens experience their individual attachments to society. We use excerpts from focus group interviews with Somalis in the Netherlands 1 to investigate how they look upon, counter or internalize media discourses that seem to depict them in a negative way, particularly because they are Muslims. The findings indicate that discriminative discourses create a plurality of outcomes for our participants. Whereas all perceive a negative debate, some discursively 'join' a global Muslim community as a result, while others try their best to avoid association with a worldwide Muslim alliance and emphasize within-group variances. Though the opposing reactions might seem contradictory, we argue that both responses counter the same problems: 'othering' and victimization. Thereby we give voice to Somalis who are not often heard, while at the same time adding to the theoretical understanding of 'othering' processes.
Why migration will continue aspirations and capabilities of Syrians and Ethiopians with different educational backgrounds, 2016
This paper presents the argument that the so-called migration crisis that started in the summer o... more This paper presents the argument that the so-called migration crisis that started in the summer of 2015 was not an unexpected sudden phenomenon, and that it is likely to continue in the future. Following the framework of aspirations and capabilities that Hein de Haas' work suggested, we will investigate migration motives looking at migration from Syria and Ethiopia. While the problems in Syria continue, countries around Syria are overloaded with refugees without sustainable opportunities. The migration from Africa is bound to persist, due to population pressure, poverty but also changing aspirations related to development. Based on meetings with Syrians and Ethiopians, we will show that there is actually a continuum of limited possibilities for them to achieve the satisfactory life they aspire to. Adding education levels to our analysis improves insight into why different groups move. We conclude that the potential for migration is only increasing.
Aspirations and Frustrations: experiences of recent refugees in the Netherlands, 2017
One year after the so-called migration crisis we investigate how refugees who arrived in these dr... more One year after the so-called migration crisis we investigate how refugees who arrived in these dramatic circumstances are managing their lives in the Netherlands. We choose not to employ the common approach with indicators of integration theories, since we argue that that is a destination-country perspective. Instead we choose the perspective of the refugees themselves who have migrated to fulfil certain life aspirations and who compare the starting point of their trip with their destination in terms of freedom in fields of life. From this perspective, a stream of frustrations becomes visible, which is a result that otherwise remains hidden. This is caused by both disappointments and the particular characteristics of the receiving society. We will illustrate this for the two largest refugee groups who arrived in the Netherland in this specific period, Syrians and Eritreans, and show how they constitute very different examples.
The influence of interviewers' ethnic background in a survey among Surinamese in the Netherlands, 2013
In a survey about ethnic identification among 2nd generation Suriname's, h both Dutch and Surinam... more In a survey about ethnic identification among 2nd generation Suriname's, h both Dutch and Surinamese interviewers were employed. Results of those two categories of interviewers were systematically different, particularly when the questions were related to the relationship among Dutch and Surinamese. The interviewees presented themselves as more positive towards relationships with Dutch, if interviewed by a Dutch interviewer, and more positive towards Surinamese, when interviewed by a Surinamese interviewer.
Political participation and civic community of ethnic minorities in four cities in the Netherlands, 2005
In this article the voting turnout of Turkish, Surinamese and Moroccan immigrants in the Netherla... more In this article the voting turnout of Turkish, Surinamese and Moroccan immigrants in the Netherlands is related to their organisational networks. One can observe that the Turkish immigrant community has better organisational networks, and also a higher voter turnout.
arcés-M ascareñas (eds.) M igration and Integration Research Rinus Penninx’s groundbreaking work ... more arcés-M ascareñas (eds.) M igration and Integration Research Rinus Penninx’s groundbreaking work has helped to systematise and classify existing research in the field of migration and ethnic studies. His heuristic model, which worked both as an analytical tool and as a road map for the Institute of Migration and Ethnic Studies (IMES) in Amsterdam and the international network IMISCOE, makes an important distinction between immigration and integration research and, within the latter, between socio-economic, ethno-cultural and legal-political dimensions. Written as a tribute to Penninx, this volume consists of contributions by 15 of his former PhD students covering all the main categories of his heuristic model. The diversity of these contributions – written from the perspective of such fields as labour, education, culture, art and policy – shows not only the comprehensive nature of Penninx’s heuristic model but also his flexibility in assisting researchers in such disparate fields. a...
Migration journeys are full of risk, navigated not just by physical obstacles but also by emotion... more Migration journeys are full of risk, navigated not just by physical obstacles but also by emotional tides. This study explores how the fluctuation of hope and despair plays a role in dealing with risks. Drawing upon in-depth interviews with Afghans in Turkey, this paper demonstrates that hope and despair fluctuate along migration journeys contingent upon three elements: (1) empirical evidence about the future, (2) (un)certainty and potential in the future, and (3) the agency or capability to act. The research finds that hope arises when the future is perceived as uncertain, offering individuals alternative pathways and restoring a sense of agency by transforming uncertainty into potentiality. Conversely, despair sets in when individuals perceive their near future as certain, devoid of alternatives. This sense of certainty about the near future leaves migrants feeling trapped, akin to being stuck in a whirlpool.
Article in the Journal of International Migration and Integration, 2024
Taking the case of the Netherlands, we compare integration outcomes of the traditional asylum rec... more Taking the case of the Netherlands, we compare integration outcomes of the traditional asylum reception system (implementing the Refugee Convention), applied to, for example, Syrians and Afghans, and the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) which is applied to Ukrainians. We show that the TPD is not just less costly for receiving countries but also results in much faster labor market integration. While rapid integration is an important policy goal, the traditional asylum system is not effective, and talents are underutilized. We show how spatial and temporal aspects of the asylum procedures for Common European Asylum System (CEAS) refugees lead to slow integration, while Ukrainians under TPD work immediately and can build connections in Dutch society.
Opkomst en partijvoorkeur van migranten bij de gemeenteraadsverkiezingen van, 2006
In this paper (in Dutch) we investigate voting behaviour of immigrant groups in the Dutch municip... more In this paper (in Dutch) we investigate voting behaviour of immigrant groups in the Dutch municipal elections in 2006. Exit polls were organised in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Breda and Arnhem and in total 7136 filled in a short questionnaire with questions about, party choice, and arguments to vote for a certain party. The turn out of four major ethnic groups was also calculated. The tables in the report are easy to read for non Dutch speakers.
Muslim Organisations' Response to Stigmatisation in the Media Protest, Adaptation or Decoupling, 2020
In the heated media debate on Muslims and Islam, the role of community represen- tatives is under... more In the heated media debate on Muslims and Islam, the role of community represen- tatives is understudied. This article will first use original research see to what extent Muslims get the chance to speak out in newspapers in Western Europe, and then dem- onstrate through findings from interviews how representatives of Muslim organisa- tions operate in the media. We build on Kerstin Rosenow-Williams’s perspectives in combining two features, namely 1) the internal and external role of representatives of Muslim organisations, and 2) the active-passive dimension of responses to preju- dice and stigmatisation as suggested in social psychology, and will distinguish three patterns: protest, adaptation and decoupling. Throughout the article, we zoom in on the remarkable dissimilarity between the UK and Germany. The British case shows a larger Muslim presence in the newspapers and the tendency of Muslim representatives to use a protest strategy, while the German case shows a lack of Muslim actors in the newspapers and a tendency of Muslim representatives to use an adaptation strategy.
The relationship between media discourses and experiences of belonging: Dutch Somali perspectives, 2016
This article explores the relationship between media discourses and experiences of belonging. Stu... more This article explores the relationship between media discourses and experiences of belonging. Studies on Muslims and the media have suggested that there is a largely negative discourse about Muslims in Western countries. As a result, the 'othering' processes that occur in the media may impact how Muslim citizens experience their individual attachments to society. We use excerpts from focus group interviews with Somalis in the Netherlands 1 to investigate how they look upon, counter or internalize media discourses that seem to depict them in a negative way, particularly because they are Muslims. The findings indicate that discriminative discourses create a plurality of outcomes for our participants. Whereas all perceive a negative debate, some discursively 'join' a global Muslim community as a result, while others try their best to avoid association with a worldwide Muslim alliance and emphasize within-group variances. Though the opposing reactions might seem contradictory, we argue that both responses counter the same problems: 'othering' and victimization. Thereby we give voice to Somalis who are not often heard, while at the same time adding to the theoretical understanding of 'othering' processes.
Why migration will continue aspirations and capabilities of Syrians and Ethiopians with different educational backgrounds, 2016
This paper presents the argument that the so-called migration crisis that started in the summer o... more This paper presents the argument that the so-called migration crisis that started in the summer of 2015 was not an unexpected sudden phenomenon, and that it is likely to continue in the future. Following the framework of aspirations and capabilities that Hein de Haas' work suggested, we will investigate migration motives looking at migration from Syria and Ethiopia. While the problems in Syria continue, countries around Syria are overloaded with refugees without sustainable opportunities. The migration from Africa is bound to persist, due to population pressure, poverty but also changing aspirations related to development. Based on meetings with Syrians and Ethiopians, we will show that there is actually a continuum of limited possibilities for them to achieve the satisfactory life they aspire to. Adding education levels to our analysis improves insight into why different groups move. We conclude that the potential for migration is only increasing.
Aspirations and Frustrations: experiences of recent refugees in the Netherlands, 2017
One year after the so-called migration crisis we investigate how refugees who arrived in these dr... more One year after the so-called migration crisis we investigate how refugees who arrived in these dramatic circumstances are managing their lives in the Netherlands. We choose not to employ the common approach with indicators of integration theories, since we argue that that is a destination-country perspective. Instead we choose the perspective of the refugees themselves who have migrated to fulfil certain life aspirations and who compare the starting point of their trip with their destination in terms of freedom in fields of life. From this perspective, a stream of frustrations becomes visible, which is a result that otherwise remains hidden. This is caused by both disappointments and the particular characteristics of the receiving society. We will illustrate this for the two largest refugee groups who arrived in the Netherland in this specific period, Syrians and Eritreans, and show how they constitute very different examples.
The influence of interviewers' ethnic background in a survey among Surinamese in the Netherlands, 2013
In a survey about ethnic identification among 2nd generation Suriname's, h both Dutch and Surinam... more In a survey about ethnic identification among 2nd generation Suriname's, h both Dutch and Surinamese interviewers were employed. Results of those two categories of interviewers were systematically different, particularly when the questions were related to the relationship among Dutch and Surinamese. The interviewees presented themselves as more positive towards relationships with Dutch, if interviewed by a Dutch interviewer, and more positive towards Surinamese, when interviewed by a Surinamese interviewer.
Political participation and civic community of ethnic minorities in four cities in the Netherlands, 2005
In this article the voting turnout of Turkish, Surinamese and Moroccan immigrants in the Netherla... more In this article the voting turnout of Turkish, Surinamese and Moroccan immigrants in the Netherlands is related to their organisational networks. One can observe that the Turkish immigrant community has better organisational networks, and also a higher voter turnout.
arcés-M ascareñas (eds.) M igration and Integration Research Rinus Penninx’s groundbreaking work ... more arcés-M ascareñas (eds.) M igration and Integration Research Rinus Penninx’s groundbreaking work has helped to systematise and classify existing research in the field of migration and ethnic studies. His heuristic model, which worked both as an analytical tool and as a road map for the Institute of Migration and Ethnic Studies (IMES) in Amsterdam and the international network IMISCOE, makes an important distinction between immigration and integration research and, within the latter, between socio-economic, ethno-cultural and legal-political dimensions. Written as a tribute to Penninx, this volume consists of contributions by 15 of his former PhD students covering all the main categories of his heuristic model. The diversity of these contributions – written from the perspective of such fields as labour, education, culture, art and policy – shows not only the comprehensive nature of Penninx’s heuristic model but also his flexibility in assisting researchers in such disparate fields. a...
This article explores the relationship between media discourses and experiences of
belonging. Stu... more This article explores the relationship between media discourses and experiences of belonging. Studies on Muslims and the media have suggested that there is a largely negative discourse about Muslims in Western countries. As a result, the ‘othering’ processes that occur in the media may impact how Muslim citizens experience their individual attachments to society. We use excerpts from focus group interviews with Somalis in the Netherlands 1 to investigate how they look upon, counter or internalize media discourses that seem to depict them in a negative way, particularly because they are Muslims. The findings indicate that discriminative discourses create a plurality of outcomes for our participants. Whereas all perceive a negative debate, some discur- sively ‘join’ a global Muslim community as a result, while others try their best to avoid association with a worldwide Muslim alliance and emphasize within-group variances. Though the opposing reactions might seem contradictory, we argue that both responses counter the same problems: ‘othering’ and victimization. Thereby we give voice to Somalis who are not often heard, while at the same time adding to the theoretical understanding of ‘othering’ processes.
In this paper, we investigate the impact of ascription on the process of identity formation of fi... more In this paper, we investigate the impact of ascription on the process of identity formation of first- and second-generation Moroccans in Western Europe. We look at the general discursive context and levels of perceived acceptance amongst Moroccan migrants, and see how these factors influence three relevant dimensions of identifications. We distinguish between ethnic group identity, religious identity and national identity, and use recently collected data on first- and second-generation Moroccans in five European countries (EURISLAM 2011. Integrated report on survey analysis. Brussels: ULB). Our analysis shows that our measures of identity are correlated to elements of ascription. The second generation appears less affected by elements of ascription. Particularly in identifying with the country of settlement, second-generation Moroccans appear more impervious to external influences than the first generation.
... DOI: 10.1080/13691830903165790 Dr Michael Collyer * , Myriam Cherti, Thomas Lacroix &... more ... DOI: 10.1080/13691830903165790 Dr Michael Collyer * , Myriam Cherti, Thomas Lacroix & Anja van Heelsum pages 1555-1570. ... In this sense, all contributions are rooted in the argument most associated with Abdelmalek Sayad (199967. Sayad, A. 1999. ...
Article published in Ethnic and Racial Studies, 2017
One year after the so-called migration crisis we investigate how refugees who arrived in these dr... more One year after the so-called migration crisis we investigate how refugees who arrived in these dramatic circumstances are managing their lives in the Netherlands. We choose not to employ the common approach with indicators of integration theories since we argue that that is a destination-country perspective. Instead, we choose the perspective of the refugees themselves who have migrated to fulfil certain life aspirations and who compare the starting point of their trip with their destination in terms of freedom in fields of life. From this perspective, a stream of frustrations becomes visible, which is a result that otherwise remains hidden. This is caused by both disappointments and the particular characteristics of the receiving society. We will illustrate this for the two largest refugee groups who arrived in the Netherlands in this specific period, Syrians and Eritreans, and show how they constitute very different examples.
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belonging. Studies on Muslims and the media have suggested that there is a largely
negative discourse about Muslims in Western countries. As a result, the ‘othering’
processes that occur in the media may impact how Muslim citizens experience their
individual attachments to society. We use excerpts from focus group interviews with
Somalis in the Netherlands
1
to investigate how they look upon, counter or internalize
media discourses that seem to depict them in a negative way, particularly because they
are Muslims. The findings indicate that discriminative discourses create a plurality of
outcomes for our participants. Whereas all perceive a negative debate, some discur-
sively ‘join’ a global Muslim community as a result, while others try their best to avoid
association with a worldwide Muslim alliance and emphasize within-group variances.
Though the opposing reactions might seem contradictory, we argue that both
responses counter the same problems: ‘othering’ and victimization. Thereby we give
voice to Somalis who are not often heard, while at the same time adding to the
theoretical understanding of ‘othering’ processes.