Background Conditions

Abstract

While Beijing has a long history dealing with ethnic minorities, the contrast with Toronto’s relatively recent ethnic diversity arising from post-World War Two immigration makes it a compelling comparison. This begs the question whether the contrasting history of the two cities can explain the differences in the development and behavioral patterns of their ethnic enclaves and economies, in the management of ethnic difference, and among on-the-ground ethnic group interactions? This chapter will examine the historical development of ethnic minority populations in Beijing and Toronto, with particular attention to ethnic minority settlement and location patterns, and contemporary ethnic group interactions and representation.