PLURALIST AND ASSIMILATIONIST MODELS OF ETHNIC SETTLEMENT IN LONDON 1991

London 1991 census data are used to examine two theories of ethnic min ority adjustment to dominant societies and their accompanying spatial patterns. The assimilationist model suggests a complete diffusion of r esidence over time and high rates of intermarriage or cohabitation; th e pluralist model suggests continuing, moderately high levels of segre gation and high degrees of social closure. The article argues that in London, the Caribbean population is following the melting pot route bo th in spatial and marital terms, while the Bangladeshi population is f ollowing the pluralist route. Indian patterns contain elements of each , but the high levels of concentration in the core settlements and hig h rates of homogamy, suggests more pluralist than melting pot trajecto ry.