European cities have always been diverse with function, population, groups, and housing. Employment opportunities and economic activities can be found concentrated in certain parts of the city whereas other areas are majorly residential. Urban neighborhoods sometimes can be reasonably homogenous residential areas or show a mixed population about ethnicity, age, income or household composition.  Neighborhoods can be monotonous and calm places to live in or sometimes they can be lively areas with coherent markets and all necessary facilities. Neighborhoods with expensive housing are often concentrated with wealthy native households or a combination of foreign-born households and high-income natives (Dyos, 13). Neighborhoods which have cheap housing stock may accommodate one type of poor people or mixed according to respect to ethnicity, household types, and age. People in such neighborhoods may live happily together; live in separation or with regular conflicts with one another. In recent years, cities have become more diverse than ever, and this was brought as a result of immigration. Sometimes these cities can be referred to as cities of diversity, and this relates explicitly to their increased rate of ethnic diversity and the diversity in demographics within these ethnic groups. Diversity in European cities is not only experienced with social and racial terms and socio-economic, but there are also other differences in the form of lifestyles, activities, and attitudes. A diversity of opportunities within the European cities is created as a result of increased immigration, increased diversity from immigration and different lifestyles together with spatial segregation in terms of ethnicity and socioeconomic variables (Saukkonen, Pasi, and Miikka, 49). Individuals belonging to the same population or ethnic group may experience different attitudes in respect to work, school and towards other groups and parents.  The diversity of the European cities results to an intense diversification of the poor people in terms of social, socio-economic and ethnic terms and also in respect to their attitudes, lifestyles, and activities. The diversity of the European cities promotes heterogeneity of the poor people since they can engage in different activities while they regularly interact with rich people. The diversity of European cities offers diverse opportunities to poor people, and hence it seems to be perceived as a good thing by the poor people.

Diversity and social cohesion

Neighborhood enjoyment and satisfaction is essential in circumstances where regeneration programs focus on making places more sustainable.  The emotional bond that is formed between people and places is critical to the creation of personal identity, and it is often believed to enhance self-esteem, psychological needs, health and well-being of the people. Diversity encourages the development of positive attitude towards a good living for poor people. The poor people within the cities can access a variety of schools where they acquire good educational standards and employment opportunities (Dyos, 17). The people experience increased interaction, and they will always be staying happy since they have all the resources that they need to have a good living. The people will feel so much connected through social, contacts and trusting the people living in the same locality. The poor always stay in isolated cities, but with the advent of immigration, the government is obliged to develop the cities together with the resources to cater to the rising needs of the people. People staying in integrated cities build trust with one another, and the level of security is enhanced. An individual can become security of the other, and since the government does not invest highly in security within the isolated urban areas, the rate of social crimes reduces within the integrated communities with the support of the residents. The people will feel safe within the residential areas since the diversity of the cities promotes socially sustainable communities. The poor communities are empowered since they can receive financial support from the government to improve their living standards.

Diversity and social mobility

Residents with low income can benefit from the diversity of the cities since they can use the neighborhood to acquire job opportunities. The job opportunities can be obtained through local social contacts, and this includes the neighbors, friends, families and other local acquaintances. Local institutions in this situation are essential in facilitating fruitful exchanges about paid and unpaid work between the diverse and the disadvantaged people. Social institutions are significant for the development of diverse societies (Engels, 23). The socio-economic status of work throughout the career of low-income people is improved. The poor residents in the cities can sustain an income even though sometimes it can be small, but they can diversify and acquire professional network, knowledge, and experiences. The residents have little understanding of the available urban policy programs for their neighborhood. The residents can have the opportunity to be familiar with the arrangements in the local governance like libraries, schools and community centers which interviewees often appreciate highly.  The poor have the chance to support local initiatives which increase social mobility. Socio-economic diversity in professional development is a priority, and all the employees including the poor have the opportunity of progression. The talent pool of the employees from all the backgrounds is increased through the diversity of the European cities, and this also enhances business. Companies can have a diverse workforce with different skills and knowledge which can assist in bringing success to these organizations. The diversity of the European cities has promoted social mobility in terms of job opportunities and people from diverse backgrounds can progress successfully with their careers.

Diversity and economic performance

The perception of the poor on the diversity of the European cities has remained positive on economic performance. The people are to access improved social services since the government will be willing to develop the available social facilities to cater to the needs of the members of the society. Immigrants come with new skills and knowledge which is essential in the running of the industries and substantial business enterprises. Certain immigrants are experts, and through active involvement in their areas of experience, they can improve productivity which is the determinant of economic development. Diversity is positively correlated with economic productivity (Engels, 27). The larger cities experiences increased population density due to the competition for accessibility and land. The rate of production is always higher in the cities because of the higher local land and labor prices. Due to the free mobility of the factors of production the European cities can experience economic growth and the poor are equally benefiting from the resources. There is an availability of both skilled and semi-skilled labor which can be used effectively in the industries increases productivity hence promoting economic growth.

How much the perception stays the same?

With the increased urbanization and diversification there was a more significant opportunity of increased social violence. , and the rate of entry into the cities by the immigrants was higher as compared to the initial stages of diversity (Saukkonen, Pasi, and Miikka, 51). The authorities in the urban centers had to come up with policies that were meant to provide strict supervision of the people within the cities to control the rate of crimes. Immigration was initially valued and thought to be a critical factor in improved economic performance. Later certain groups overturned the perception and started passing illegal item through the borders which contributed to illicit trade. The government limited the entry of immigrants, and strict laws had to be followed during their entrance. It did not take long when the rich started using the available opportunity to dwarf the poor in the developing cities. There was increased corruption which limited the social mobility of the workforce, and the process of recruitment and selection was changed to consider only the wealthy in the society. Despite the associated opportunities that European cities diversity was bringing the associated problems challenged the perception of the poor (Saukkonen, Pasi, and Miikka, 54). There was no social cohesion, but only fear was experienced since people started competing for the limited available resources and this forced certain people into the marginalized lands where they lived a life of frustration. An economic recession was experienced which further complicated the situation. The industries did not require much labor since there was a reduction in production due to the decreased demand in the market. The poor suffered since they were not able to get employment opportunities to sustain their families.

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