Conceptualizing Mainstreaming in Immigrant Integration Governance

Mainstreaming has been defined as ‘the future’ of immigrant integration in Europe (see also MPI, 2014). The central element of mainstreaming involves the orientation of integration policies at the entire diverse population, including, but not limited to specific migrant groups. The objective of this generic approach is to create a more inclusive society and thereby improve integration outcomes (MPI 2014). Mainstreaming is framed as a response to ‘the multiculturalism backlash’ (Vertovec & Wessendorf, 2010) and the ‘assimilationist turn’ (Joppke & Morawska, 2003). Following this rise and fall of multiculturalism, mainstreaming signals a new phase in the already versatile recent history of migrant integration policies. At the same time, mainstreaming would also correlate with government retrenchment and fading government attention for the incorporation of vulnerable migrant groups.