The idea of two-way integration is included in the common basic principles of the integration policy of the European Union. The basic principles define integration as a dynamic two-way process of mutual adaptation in which all immigrants and residents of the Member States participate. Society changes as the population diversifies and immigrants acquire the necessary knowledge and skills needed in society.
Integration is also multidimensional. Integration can be assessed, for example, from the perspective of structural integration (employment, housing, education, health and wellbeing), interactive integration (creation of social relations and networks) and identification and identity (social cohesion with people belonging to the same society).
A society is receptive when it is equal and inclusive and the relations between population groups in society are good. The level of receptiveness of society affects an immigrant’s ability to integrate. In order to promote receptiveness, unequal social structures need to be identified and dismantled and services developed actively.
From the perspective of receptiveness, integration is a multidimensional process and it takes place between individuals, communities and structures. Society as a whole (both the majority population and minorities) will change as the population diversifies.
Read more:
European website on Integration
What is integration? -article (only in Finnish)
