Concluding remarks

In general, it could be said that there have been plenty of minority and migrant groups throughout history although they were not always referred to as such. With the genesis and rise of the nation-state in the nineteenth century, migrant and minority groups have become more relevant. The dichotomy of ‘us’ and ‘them’ seems to flourish within this rather modern political system for it helps establish that which is of utmost importance for nation-states-a strong feeling of belonging through the development of a sturdy ʼnational identity’. The contributions in this volume show that marginalized and socially deprived individuals and social groups are often lacking not only solidarity in society, but freedom and justice as well. As long as there are individuals and social groups deprived of freedom, justice and solidarity, not only are the marginalized in danger but all of society is at risk too. We hope that the studies in this edited volume contribute not only to a better understanding of how migratory and minority groups become marginalized and what it means for these groups to be deprived but also that they offer valuable insights into possible openings to better their lot and with it that of us all.