Divided Cities

Abstract

What explains variation in local minority representation outcomes across Europe? I articulate a theory of residential segregation as a key driver of Muslim representation. I hypothesize that in cities where residential segregation is high, Muslims are more likely to display increased levels of descriptive representation and reduced public goods provision. Within a comparative, cross-national most-different-systems framework of England and France, I use a multi-method research design and exploit both quantitative and qualitative evidence to test these claims. I demonstrate that while segregation increases Muslims’ descriptive outcomes, it creates a population threshold, beyond which increases in segregation decrease their representation. I show, however, that the presence of Muslim councilors exerts a powerful countervailing effect on segregation’s detrimental impact on public spending.