Revising the Integration-Citizenship Nexus in Europe: Sites, Policies, and Bureaucracies of Belonging

This book explores the theoretical and empirical connections between integration and citizenship, focusing on naturalization. It demonstrates how membership is informally achieved through everyday integration, contributing to critical dialogues on immigrant integration and political incorporation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 213 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This open-access book critically re-examines the theoretical and empirical interconnections between integration and citizenship, specifically, naturalization. With new, empirical-grounded analyses of what we term the citizenship-integration nexus, the central, shared contribution is showcasing how membership is informally achieved through everyday integration—usually around, but sometimes in spite of, formal citizenship requirements. By providing evidence of a nexus disjuncture, the book contributes to critical dialogues on immigrant integration and political incorporation, relevant for policymakers, civil society actors, and academics alike.

The book explores the complex relationship between integration and citizenship, particularly in the context of naturalization. It delves into the various ways in which individuals become members of a society, often going beyond formal citizenship requirements. Through empirical-grounded analyses, the book sheds light on the citizenship-integration nexus, highlighting how membership is informally achieved through everyday integration.

The authors argue that the citizenship-integration nexus is not a linear process, but rather a multifaceted and dynamic one. They explore how individuals navigate the complexities of integration, including language learning, cultural assimilation, and social participation, while also striving to become full members of their society. The book provides evidence of a nexus disjuncture, where formal citizenship requirements may not align with the informal ways in which individuals achieve membership.

This disjuncture raises important questions for policymakers, civil society actors, and academics. It challenges the notion that integration is solely a matter of meeting formal criteria and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the informal contributions that immigrants make to their communities. The book contributes to critical dialogues on immigrant integration and political incorporation, offering insights that can inform policy development and social interventions.

Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between integration and citizenship, particularly in the context of naturalization. It provides a fresh perspective on the topic and offers valuable insights for policymakers, civil society actors, and academics seeking to promote inclusive and sustainable societies.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031257254
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023