Tensions during the implementation of integration policy in Switzerland: The challenges surrounding “fast and sustainable” integration.

Autor/innen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18753/2297-8224-4433

Schlagworte:

integration, refugees, social workers, aspirations, labor market

Abstract

This article explores tensions arising from implementing integration policy in Switzerland. Relying mainly on the experiences and perceptions of 23 street-level bureaucrats (SLB) and 29 refugees in the Canton of Vaud in Switzerland, it identifies the dynamics at work during the process of integration, in particular how the focus on quick labor market integration of refugees, shapes both refugees’ integration trajectories and SLBs understanding of their role and function. The article closely examines the tensions experienced on both sides; among others, these spring from expecting “fast” integration. It finds that SLBs strive to ensure “fast and sustainable integration” by promoting rapid access to vocational training and employment. This approach often causes friction between SLBs, who recognize the shortcomings of this approach without seriously challenging it, and refugees, who either adapt to the expectations of “fast and sustainable integration” or rely on own resources to gain support for more ambitious projects.

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Artikel

Ausgabe 1/2024

Rubrik

Thematic Section

Nummer

Article1.5

Sprache

English

Veröffentlicht

28.06.2024

Lizenz

Copyright (c) 2024 Ihssane Otmani
Creative-Commons-Lizenz
Dieses Werk steht unter der Lizenz Creative Commons Namensnennung 4.0 International.