To Örebro University

Building on prior discussions led by the Centre for Refugee Studies at York University and the Institute for Research into Superdiversity at the University of Birmingham, this workshop delves further into the complex and debated concept of ‘integration’ within migration studies. Despite numerous critiques, ‘integration’ continues to lack a clear, universally accepted definition. While various alternative terms have been suggested, they tend to face similar conceptual challenges, leaving uncertainties regarding their effectiveness in addressing the criticisms levelled at integration (Spencer, 2022). Yet, ‘integration’ remains central to policy and practical discourse (Klarenbeek, 2021; Vertovec, 2020), particularly in the context of refugees, where the success of long-term solutions to displacement is often measured by the degree of refugee integration within communities (Bornstein, 2017; Hynie, 2018). Previous discussions have focused on the functional aspects of integration, such as employment, education and access to health services (Grzymala-Kazlowska and Phillimore, 2018), seen as both policy priorities and key to refugee-wellbeing (Mestheneos and Ioannidi, 2002). However, there is a critical gap in addressing the emotional dimensions of integration, such as belonging, safety and fulfilment. Given that the number of displaced people has more than doubled in the past decade (UNHCR, 2023), understanding the factors that contribute to positive integration experiences is more urgent than ever. This workshop aims to build on earlier insights, continuing the conversation on the future of integration by exploring its functional and emotional dimensions, thus enriching our understanding of how successful integration can be facilitated. The objectives of this second workshop are threefold. First, participants will collaboratively identify and discuss the primary themes and challenges related to decentering integration; second, the workshop will encourage the exploration of alternative methodologies for studying integration, moving beyond traditional methods such as interviews and surveys to incorporate creative, visual and participatory techniques to challenge from where and by who knowledge is produced; and third, the workshop will provide a space for creating connections and pathways to impact for researchers and practitioners that can shape future research and advocacy efforts. By employing a multidisciplinary, decentered approach, this workshop seeks to shape research agendas that align with both policy needs and the aspirations of refugees and people seeking asylum. Through advancing more innovative methods and fostering collaboration within the field, we aim to inform policies that prioritize the voices and experiences of refugees, strengthening a deeper, more inclusive understanding of integration.