Is Low Molenbeek undergoing social change?

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Johan Leman, 8 October 2024

There are indications that, in certain parts of this municipality of 100,000 inhabitants spread across several neighborhoods, a strong social differentiation is taking place. In some neighborhoods, the middle class is indeed growing, while in others, poverty persists. And the fact that prosperity is increasing in some areas does not exclude the possibility that other residents continue to experience poverty.

May I share an insight from our work at the Foyer? We have strong involvement with the Roma community. Several years ago, the consultation center for young children (formerly called Kind en Gezin) was established in close proximity to this center. As a result, for many years, Roma parents made up a significant portion of the visitors to this center. However, today, a large portion of the visitors are young Flemish Brussels residents. This is undoubtedly related to the quality of the services offered and the well-maintained reception area, but it is also linked to the increase in the number of new middle-class residents in the area.

Meanwhile, a Moroccan-Molenbeek middle class has also emerged in Molenbeek. This can be seen in the offerings and prices of certain restaurants.

In other words, Lower Molenbeek is perhaps not so much changing in ethno-cultural terms but rather in socio-economic terms, with more pronounced social differentiation than before. What is particular about this is that the phenomenon does not exclude the persistent poverty of many residents living in these same areas. How should such a phenomenon be named?

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