Sinks and Sluices: Contrasting Dynamics in Spatial Assimilation Pathways

This study examines how neighbourhoods can be understood through their functional roles in immigrant settlement. Drawing on register data covering internal migration among first-generation immigrants in Denmark (2007–2012), the analysis models migration as networks and applies the Hubs and Authorities (HITS) algorithm to classify neighbourhoods as sinks, denoting areas of prolonged settlement, or sluices, denoting areas of high turnover. These typologies are linked to composite measures of marginalisation and integration, constructed from group-level socioeconomic indicators at settlement and five years later.Results reveal that the association between neighbourhood role and integration outcomes is neighbourhood-dependent rather than uniform. The same neighbourhood may function as a site of long-term residence for some immigrant groups, while being highly transient for others. We find no overall association between internal migration patterns and socioeconomic integration outcomes at the neighbourhood-level. Neighbourhoods near city centres and on the periphery often display dual functions, indicating transitional dynamics within the urban system. Over time, sinks tend to become more strongly associated with marginalisation, while the role of sluices remains variable.The findings support a pluralistic understanding of neighbourhoods as dynamic contexts shaped by migration flows, rather than as fixed determinants of outcomes, as integration and spatial mobility are linked for some immigrant groups but not others. Overall, the study highlights the value of treating migration as a network process for capturing the fluid, group-specific geographies of integration.