An Exploration of the Relationship between the Availability of New Housing and the Formation of Immigrant Enclaves

Immigrant enclave described as geographical areas, wherein a community of immigrants can act in their Country of Residence (COR) as if in their Country of Origin (COO). The literature on immigrant enclaves suggests that enclave formation is frequently based on societal disadvantage or ethnic succession theories. However, findings from in-depth interviews within an immigrant community in Dublin (Ireland) suggest a new dimension to immigrant enclave formation. This article revisits literature on two of the most commonly used theories in defining immigrant enclave formation; it examines data set in-depth interviews from the study of an immigrant community in Dublin and uses a narrative analysis to explain a possible new explanation for ethnic enclave formation. Findings from the literature reviewed and the dataset for this study highlighted that the redevelopment of an economic disadvantage area can through the availability of new housing can contribute to ethnic enclave formation.