Integration

The concept of integration moves beyond one-way notions of assimilation, to recognise multidirectional processes of participation, interaction and change. These take place over multiple domains of life. In practice, the focus is often on characteristics and behaviour of migrants to the neglect of society and policy factors, and on particular indicators (eg gender norms and employment) rather than the fuller picture. This briefing sets out a more systematic approach to conceptualising integration.

Multiple domains

Integration is the processes of participation and change taking place across various areas of life. We refer to these domains as: structural, social, civic and political, culture and identity.

Domain	Examples
Structural	Employment, education, housing
Social	Interation with other people, relationships, social networks
Civic and political	Involvement in community life and democratic processes
Cultural	In the sense of values and behaviour, rather than the Arts.
Identity	Belonging, local or national identity

Processes in these domains may be separate or interacting. They do not always proceed together in the direction of greater participation over time - they can vary in speed and direction. Indicators used to assess integration provide a snapshot of selected aspects of these processes at a particular time, rather than an end-state or fixed outcome.

E.g. 1 IMPACTS ACROSS DOMAINS:Employment is often used as an indicator of structural integration. Work can be a source of social networks. But where low wages lead to long working hours, this can limit time social networks, civic engagement, or even language learning.

E.g. 2 VARIATION BETWEEN DOMAINS:Even where migrants are participating extensively in strutural, social, and civic and political domains, shifts in identity and belonging may happen slowly.

E.g. 3 OF PROCESSES CHANGING DIRECTION:As their social networks, language skills and cultural familiarity expand, an individual may become more aware of discriminatory attitudes towards them, leading to political disillussionment and disengagement. 

Factors affecting integration

Many factors facilitate or impede integration processes. These operate at various levels:

• Individual
• Families and social networks
• Opportunity structures in society
• Policy  

Most processes take place at the local level, but there are also national (eg national identity, policy) and transnational dimensions.   

E.g. 4 INTERACTING LEVELS: Nabeela was a teacher in Pakistan before joining her husband in the UK. To teach here, she needs to convert her qualifications, but as a recent migrant she cannot access student loans, and the family cannot afford her training. By the time she qualifies for student finance, she is likely to have become a mother with caring responsibilities creating new barriers to further study. Nabeela has individual skills which could facilitate structural integration in the labour market and new social opportunities with people from differing backgrounds, but barriers are created by a combination of family responsibilitieswith national education and immigration policies.  

Integration beyond migration contexts

Integration is sometimes used to refer to the degree of societal participation of non-migrants. This is problematic when it is applied only to minorities – it could be taken, for example, to imply ethnic minorities are analogous to migrants. There is, however, increasing interest in viewing integration as something in which all members of society are involved. The model of multiple domains, levels and factors influencing integration presented here is also suitable for wider application. It can highlight ways in which individuals or social groups are differentially affected by barriers or opportunities.