Is there Such a Thing as an Integration Model ?

The degree to which immigrants integrate into the society hosting them depends on a large number of factors – historical, cultural, and socio-economic as well as political – through the measures taken by administrative agencies involved at the local, national and even supra-national levels.

It is obviously difficult to simply and categorically distinguish an integrated person from one who is not; it would be even more difficult to come to common terms with the appropriate level of integration. All of this makes comparisons between countries and periods of time both treacherous and controversial. It is nonetheless the challenge we will take on during this session, with a single aim: to discuss integration as migratory flows thicken and the temptation of pulling back into an idealised home community is felt more and more acutely across Europe.

Session participants will be invited to offer examples of innovative or proven integration models, opening up discussion as to the policies that should be implemented