Inclusion and Exclusion of High-Skilled Migrants in Copenhagen—The Effect of Neighbourhood Atmospheres

As the number of high-skilled migrants (HSM) increases worldwide, the number migrating to medium-sized capitals is also growing. While HSM neighbourhood choices have been sparsely researched, this study focuses in on how the atmospheres of these neighbourhoods lead HSM to feeling included or excluded. Using a relational spatial perspective, with an emphasis on atmospheres, sensing and spacing and drawing on 54 in-depth interviews and map tasks, the study identifies three types of neighbourhood atmospheres: (1) new international neighbourhoods characterized by ongoing development and international diversity, fostering feelings of inclusion; (2) established Danish neighbourhoods marked by exclusivity and socio-symbolic boundary maintenance, often leading to a feeling of exclusion; and (3) established multicultural neighbourhoods that resemble more global cities in their diversity, providing familiarity and conditional inclusion. The findings highlight the importance of understanding neighbourhoods as relational spaces in which HSM not only reside, but also actively shape the space. The findings highlight the importance of understanding neighbourhoods as relational spaces in which HSM not only reside, but also actively shape the space.