The Experience of Diversity in Middle Class Neighborhoods in Montreal
The social and political tensions related to immigration in Quebec are more relevant than ever. While several studies have focused on attitudes towards immigration, this article provides an ethnographic study of the experience of diversity in two « middle class » neighborhoods of the Greater Montreal. The empirical observation of interethnic interactions in public spaces and in-depth qualitative interviews with « native » and immigrant families with young children support that public spaces, especially neighborhood parks, stand as privileged places in families’ experience of diversity. Although conviviality outweighs aversion in these public spaces, some tensions remains, especially with regard to religious markers and the education of children. Public sociability and participation by both « natives » and immigrants in community networks help in overcoming some of these discomforts and promote an inclusive interethnic urban cohabitation.