Urban diversity is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Some scholars speak of “superdiversity,” particularly in urban neighbourhoods, where highly heterogeneous populations create complex social and institutional challenges. In Project ICONIC, Van Ostaijen will investigate the institutional consequences of superdiversity, focusing on the decision-making processes of ‘street-level workers’.

The project will conduct international comparative research in six European cities — Malmö, Aarhus, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Marseille, and Bilbao — making it the first major study to examine the decision-making of street-level workers across different urban contexts. The findings will provide insights into how diversity translates into policy practices.