PLURALIST AND ASSIMILATIONIST MODELS OF ETHNIC SETTLEMENT IN LONDON 1991

Abstract London 1991 census data are used to examine two theories of ethnic minority adjustment to dominant societies and their accompanying spatial patterns. The assimilationist model suggests a complete diffusion of residence over time and high rates of intermarriage or cohabitation; the pluralist model suggests continuing, moderately high levels of segregation and high degrees of social closure. The article argues that in London, die Caribbean population is following the melting pot route both in spatial and marital terms, while the Bangladeshi population is following the pluralist route. Indian patterns contain elements of each, but the high levels of concentration in the core settlements and high rates of homogamy, suggests more pluralist than melting pot trajectory.