Are European public cemeteries spaces of cultural integration? (Photo by Avril Maddrell)

Cemeteries and Crematoria as public spaces of belonging in Europe: a study of migrant and minority cultural inclusion, exclusion and integration


Project Summary

This project will examine cemeteries and crematoria ‘gardens’ as public spaces of social inclusion, exclusion and integration, with a particular focus on migrant and Established Minority experience, needs and provision, and how these intersect with established practices in the North West of Europe.

Cemeteries are multifunctional public spaces where funerary services are provided; they are ‘sacred’ in the widest sense; they are also seen as ‘green spaces’ and frequently used as public parks by local residents. This means that a wide range of citizensm with their different interests and activities, converge on cemeteries as shared public spaces. In such shared spaces, misunderstanding and conflict can arise over diverse uses and meanings, but on the other hand, communities of shared experience and understanding can be enhanced in such spaces. The use and management of these important but understudied public spaces can tell us much about the everyday lived experiences and negotiations of urban diversity, social inclusion and exclusion in multicultural North West Europe. Improving understanding of varied meanings, uses and practices through dialogue and co-production of management strategies will enhance cross-cultural understanding and interaction, and inform planning for diversity-ready cemeteries.

Prof. Avril Maddrell

Project Leader

University of Reading
United Kingdom


Are European public cemeteries spaces of cultural integration? (Photo by Avril Maddrell)

Are European public cemeteries spaces of cultural integration? (Photo by Avril Maddrell)

Multicultural societies in a global ‘Age of Migration’ (Photo by Avril Maddrell)

CeMi will examine 8 large NW European municipalities across six countries. Each case study has a similar population (circa 110,000 – 150,000) and significant foreign-born/ ethnic minority populations. They cover a range of economic regions, have socially, culturally and ethnically diverse populations, including long-standing established ethnic minority communities and more recent EU and Third Country National (TCN) migrants. Mixed participatory research methods will be used to study issues and experiences from multiple perspectives, including cemetery and crematoria providers, planners, civil society organisations and grassroots users. The project will produce academic publications, policy–briefing reports and recommendations (co-produced with project participants and translated into multiple European and TNC languages) and a travelling exhibition with creative activities. This will provide feedback to municipalities and encourage ongoing dialogue between the providers and the varied users of these important and sensitive public spaces.

Project Partners

Prof. Avril Maddrell

Project Leader

University of Reading
United Kingdom

Email

Prof. Christoph Jedan

University of Groningen
Netherlands

Email

Prof. Eric Venbrux

Radboud University Nijmegen
Netherlands

Email

Dr Yasminah Beebeejaun

University College London
United Kingdom

Email

Dr Katie McClymont

University of the West of England – UWE Bristol
United Kingdom

Email

Prof. Carola Wingren

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Sweden

Email

Dr Sonja Kmec

University of Luxembourg
Luxembourg

Email

Dr Tanu Priya Uteng

Institute of Transport Economics at Olso
Norway

Email

Dr Danielle House

University of Reading
United Kingdom

Mariske Westendorp

University of Groningen
Netherlands

Email

Dr Vevila Dornelles

University of Reading
United Kingdom

Email

Dr Helena Nordh

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Sweden

Email

  • University of Reading

    University of Reading

  • University of Groningen

    University of Groningen

  • Radboud University Nijmegen

    Radboud University Nijmegen

  • University College London

    University College London

  • University of the West of England – UWE Bristol

    University of the West of England – UWE Bristol

  • Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

    Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

  • University of Luxembourg

    University of Luxembourg

  • Institute of Transport Economics at Olso

    Institute of Transport Economics at Olso

  • University of Reading

    University of Reading

  • University of Groningen

    University of Groningen

  • University of Reading

    University of Reading

  • Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

    Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

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