What is Super-Diversity? This is Europe's Next Super-Revolution.

The concept of Super-Diversity was Steven Vertovec in his 2007 paper titled: “Super-Diversity and its Implications”. His Paper reflects the increasing complexity of migration and cultural diversity in our modern societies. Stephen Vertovec challenges our traditional understanding of multiculturalism. Key researchers working on superdiversity include Vertovec, Jan Blommaert and Jenny Phillimore. The University of Birmingham established the Institute for Research into Superdiversity in 2013. The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity in G?ttingen is also an important centre for superdiversity research.

Before the 1990s, diversity was often viewed through the lens of stable, identifiable ethnic or religious groups. On the other hand, Super-Diversity goes beyond the idea of a society with distinct cultural groups to capture the complex and ever-evolving nature of diversity in the 21st century. In effect, the term “diversity” is not accurate for today's society because we are now in an era of Super-Diversity, which has replaced multicultural society. Consequently, international migration, the collapse of the Soviet Bloc, European integration, and the rise of digital technologies have all contributed to greater diversity within diversity. Today, cities like London, Hamburg, Berlin, Frankfurt, and Paris, which speak over 250 languages, exemplify this Super-Diversity.

Super-diversity is rapidly spreading across Europe, evident in the evolving profiles of numerous European cities, not just the capitals but also mid-sized cities. This diversification is particularly noticeable in British society, especially in schools, where the newer generations exhibit more pronounced differences. For instance, schools in East London speak over 70 languages. Interestingly, native English speakers were often of West African or Caribbean origin, while many white students were of Polish-European descent and non-native English speakers. This challenges our traditional assumptions about racial and national identities. The typical notion of a white British majority in these schools no longer holds. Race and nationality are increasingly decoupled, reflecting a new social reality.

Challenges often arise from the interactions between different groups and the histories of migration and integration in each society. In places where there is a strict, blood-based definition of national identity, there is little room to accommodate diversity, leaving many people feeling disenfranchised and unsure of where they fit in. In contemporary societies, which are increasingly diverse, individuals often embody multiple identities and dimensions. These various identities can be a resource or a constraint, depending on societal values. A society that values and welcomes individuals with multiple heritages can use these diverse backgrounds to build connections and mobilize transnational links. Canada, for example, embraces this diversity as part of its national identity, which enhances its foreign policy and international relations.

Conversely, multiple identities can be problematic in societies that view them with suspicion. In Britain, recent political rhetoric has accused people with multiple heritages of having “split allegiances”, making routing their identities difficult. As noted in interviews for the "Eurochildren" project, some individuals even consider changing their children's names to sound more British, moving away from names that reflect their dual heritage.

It's important to recognize that society is not just about singular identities such as being Somali, Italian, or German. However, not all aspects of a person's identity play the same role in every context. In a racist society, for example, being black might have a more significant impact on one's experience than in a more racially homogenous society. A Somali doctor in Britain may be primarily seen as Somali, whereas in Somalia, they are recognized primarily as a doctor. Understanding Super-Diversity requires acknowledging the complex identities within individuals and the changing nature of the places they live. Embracing this complexity can lead to a more inclusive and cohesive society.

The hallmarks of Super-Diversity include:

• Increased complexity of migration: Migration patterns are no longer linear. We see a layering of migration histories, with asylum seekers, refugees, economic migrants, and colonial migrants all contributing to a richer cultural environment.

• The blurring of traditional identities: Super-diversity challenges conventional notions of race and nationality. People hold multiple identities that are constantly evolving, making integration and social cohesion more complex.
• Diverse perspectives: Super-diverse societies offer a wealth of perspectives but face challenges in group interaction due to differing cultural norms and integration histories. Super-diversity shapes national identities and foreign policy. Multiple identities help Canada build links with other countries. Challenges arise when multiple identities are seen as conflicting and non-allegiant.

Concrete & Practical Examples of Super-Diversity in Germany Today.

1. Polyglot Hospital Ward in Hamburg: ?Imagine a bustling hospital ward in Hamburg. A young German doctor explains a diagnosis to an elderly Turkish patient with the help of a translator app. In another corner, during an afternoon duty, a nurse born in Germany from a Chinese family and a Nigerian-born colleague speak fluently in German with a Polish patient, and all parties laugh as they share stories. This scene highlights the language barriers and bridges built due to the diversity of German healthcare.

2. International School in Frankfurt: A classroom in an international school in Frankfurt buzzes with activity. Students from Korea, France, and Germany work together on a science project, each contributing ideas and explanations in their native languages before settling on English as a common ground. This daily interaction reflects the need for flexible communication and collaboration in highly diverse educational settings.

3. Multicultural Nursing Home Staff in Berlin: A nursing home in Berlin employs a diverse team of caregivers. A Nigerian nurse comforts a German resident with dementia, singing a familiar lullaby from their homeland. A Polish caregiver patiently explains medication instructions to a Russian patient using gestures and simple phrases. This scenario showcases the challenges and rewards of culturally sensitive care in a diverse environment.

4. Community Soccer Tournament in Hamburg: ?A local soccer tournament in Hamburg brings together teams from various ethnic backgrounds. Cheering erupts in a mix of languages as a young Syrian player scores a goal, high-fived by teammates from Germany and Afghanistan. This display of sportsmanship and unity transcends cultural differences in a super-diverse city.

5. Neighbourhood Bakery with Global Flavors in Frankfurt: ??A bakery in Frankfurt offers a delightful mix of traditional German bread alongside croissants, baklava, and Japanese mochi. The owner, a German-Turkish couple, caters to the diverse tastes of their super diverse clientele. This example shows how Super-Diversity influences local businesses and creates new cultural experiences.

6. Multilingual Public Service Announcements in Berlin:? Public service announcements in Berlin appear on billboards and bus stops in multiple languages - German, Turkish, Arabic, and English. This ensures vital information reaches all residents, regardless of their native tongue. This is a practical example of how governments can address Super-diversity in public communication.

7. Interfaith Choir Performance in Hamburg: A church in Hamburg hosts an interdenominational choir performance. The program features Christian hymns, Islamic devotional songs, and Jewish liturgical pieces, all sung in beautiful harmony. This event exemplifies the potential for Super-Diversity to foster interfaith understanding and cultural exchange.

Further Examples of Super-Diversity: School Cafeteria: Imagine a school cafeteria in London. Students line up for lunch, a cacophony of languages filling the air. One student orders jerk chicken with rice and peas, another pierogi with sour cream, and a third enjoys sushi. This daily interaction reflects a super-diverse society's diverse backgrounds and food cultures.

Public Transportation: A group of teenagers chats animatedly on a London bus. One speaks in a Jamaican patois, another peppers the conversation with Hindi phrases, while a third uses West African Pigeon English slang influenced by their Nigerian heritage. This code-switching and blending of languages exemplify the everyday communication challenges and creativity fostered by Super-diversity.

Neighbourhood Market:? A bustling market in London offers a taste of the world. Stalls display fresh produce from various regions - plantains next to Polish apples and Ethiopian spices beside British herbs. Each vendor caters to the local super-diverse community's diverse palates and culinary traditions.

Workplace Meeting: A team meeting in a London tech company brings together individuals from across the globe. A presentation is delivered with explanations in both English and Mandarin to ensure everyone understands. Different perspectives and approaches are shared, enriching the problem-solving process due to the team's super-diversity.

Community Festival: This vibrant street festival in London celebrates the city's Super-Diversity. Traditional Chinese dragon dances weave through crowds, enjoying Polish folk music. Food stalls offer everything from samosas to paella, reflecting the community's rich cultural tapestry.

Opportunities and Challenges in Super-diversity:

Super diversity presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, it fosters a cosmopolitan outlook, enriching societies with diverse ideas and experiences. However, integrating these diverse populations requires rethinking traditional education and social inclusion approaches.

The Case of Urban Diversity: Cities are often seen as crucibles of cosmopolitanism. Studies have shown that diverse interactions in urban spaces can lead to more positive social attitudes. However, this is not always the case. Research in Rotterdam, a city with a significant migrant population, revealed pockets of xenophobia, particularly in areas experiencing rapid demographic change.

Countering the Narrative of Fear: Fear of the unknown can lead to xenophobic tendencies. However, studies suggest that contact with diverse groups can foster more positive social interactions over time. The key lies in countering narratives that exploit fear and promote open dialogue and understanding.

Finally, Super-Diversity is the reality of our interconnected world. By embracing the complexities of this new paradigm, we can build more inclusive and vibrant societies. Here are some key reminders:

• Diversity is not a static concept. It is constantly evolving due to factors like globalization and migration.
• We all have multiple identities. Understanding these complexities is crucial for fostering empathy and social cohesion.
• Cities can be engines of cosmopolitanism. However, proactive measures are needed to address the challenges of integration.
• Fear of diversity is often rooted in misconceptions. Promoting understanding and open dialogue is essential for building inclusive societies.

Super-diversity is a complex concept, but we can harness its potential to create a more vibrant and inclusive society by acknowledging its nuances.

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Are you new to my articles? My name is Chris Ezeh . I am a Journalist, healthcare expert/ educator, diversity, inclusion, and intercultural competence coach. Connect to my profile to stay updated on more informative and resonating themes.