‘Old’ vs. ‘new’ minorities – an identity-based approach to the distinction between autochthonous and immigrant minorities

Abstract

The present paper argues that the distinction between "old" and "new" minorities cannot only be rights-based, but also has a strong identity and "national narrative" component: Even though autochthonous minorities are still subject to discrimination, in most countries with effective protection schemes they have become part of the larger concept of an "in-group" with the rest of the citizens, and been accepted into the daily identity of the country, while immigrants are regarded as an "out-group". This picture of "them" is strengthened further by a primarily security-based outlook on migration, as will be illustrated through the case of the Roma.