Multicultralism Analysed: Belgium, Netherlands, UK, Germany

A new book 'Multiculturalisme ontleed' (Multiculturalism Analysed) of Leuven University studied various aspects of multiculturalism in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK.

75% of Belgians think that immigrants who commit a serious crime should be kicked out of the country. Of the Dutch 76.6% agree, British - 78.2% and Germans 90.2%. Expulsion for any crime garnered less but still considerable support with 39.7%-48.2% agreeing.

The situation in Belgium is that many people have no relations with immigrants at all. 46% have friends who live in Belgium but come from other countries. 51.1% don't have immigrant co-workers. 63% live in neighborhoods composed exclusively of other Belgians. If they would move, especially Belgians would prefer moving to a neighborhood without immigrants.

If they do have contact with immigrants, most people prefer immigrants from the same ethnic background.

More than any other country, Belgians think that immigrants should adapt to the common culture. In the UK people were far more tolerant on this issue.

In the UK and the Netherlands people oppose immigration but think that once an immigrant arrives they should get full rights.

In the four countries the residents see immigrants as a threat for the social security and for the situation of the poor, rather than as an economic threat. Half of the German and British think that unemployed immigrants should be expelled. In the Netherlands it's 42% and Belgium 44%.
Immigrants are also seen as a criminal threat, especially in Germany.

54% of Belgians think it's better to live in a country where everybody shares the same customs. This standpoint didn't get a majority in the other countries.

All countries agreed that it's better that people speak a common language (92%-97%).

The study showed more tolerance to other religions than to other traditions.

There was no support for separate school for immigrants.

Source: Standaard (Dutch)

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