Projects / Programmes
Challenges of immigrant integration and the development of integration policy in Slovenia
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 5.11.00 |
Social sciences |
Ethnic studies |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| S000 |
Social sciences |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 5.04 |
Social Sciences |
Sociology |
immigrants, receiving society, integration process, migration, integration policy, inclusion / exclusion, Slovenia
Researchers (6)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
19109 |
PhD Romana Bešter |
Political science |
Researcher |
2018 - 2021 |
161 |
| 2. |
07592 |
PhD Miran Komac |
Political science |
Researcher |
2018 - 2021 |
471 |
| 3. |
15882 |
PhD Mojca Medvešek |
Sociology |
Head |
2018 - 2021 |
219 |
| 4. |
26503 |
PhD Janez Pirc |
Geography |
Researcher |
2018 - 2021 |
167 |
| 5. |
38169 |
PhD Sabina Zorčič |
Linguistics |
Junior researcher |
2018 - 2021 |
38 |
| 6. |
05895 |
PhD Mitja Žagar |
Law |
Researcher |
2018 - 2021 |
665 |
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0507 |
Institute for Ethnic Studies |
Ljubljana |
5051517000 |
4,514 |
Abstract
Slovenia is becoming more and more attractive as a transit country as well as a country of destination. The share of foreign nationals among Slovenia’s population increased from 3.1% in 2008 to 5.5% in 2017. In 2016, 11.7% of Slovenia’s population had their first residence abroad, and an additional 9.6% were descendants of immigrants. This means that about one fifth of the Slovenian population is of immigrant origin. The data on integration of this population are scarce. Those available are either partial (limited to a certain dimension of integration, not offering whole picture) or outdated. Public discourse on immigration and integration of immigrants is therefore often based on simplified or distorted reality, stereotypes and generalizations which are not substantiated by research. To separate reality from different perceptions we need facts and data, based on objectifiable measurement of integration processes.
The aim of the project is to examine the integration processes of immigrants and descendants of immigrants and the existing integration policy in Slovenia by applying various research approaches. The integration process will be examined by means of the heuristic model, which anticipates a disaggregated approach to the concept of integration, distinguishing three dimensions (legal-political, socio-economic and cultural-religious), two parties (immigrants and the receiving society), and three levels (individuals, organisations, institutions).
We will also take into account the time factor (immigrants vs. descendants of immigrants) and the comparative aspect (integration process of different categories of immigrants, e.g. by country of origin, reason for immigration, duration of settlement, legal status, ethnic affiliation). In this way we will acquire an in-depth insight into the complex process of integration and identify the current situation in different fields or dimensions of integration of immigrants and their descendants in Slovenia.
The study of the integration policy will be based on the examination of the policy frames, analysis of content and policy measures, analysis of implementation of measures and analysis of different (vertical and horizontal) aspects of policy organisation and implementation.
The primary project objectives are:
Explore the processes of immigrant integration in Slovenia.
Identify the needs and perceptions of immigrants and their descendants regarding their integration into the Slovenian society.
Examine the attitude of the majority society (and institutions) towards immigrants.
Examine how Slovenian integration policy and legislation comply with the needs that arise in practice.
When examining the integration process we will use both quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches. We will conduct a survey among immigrants and descendants of immigrants and interviews with a limited number of immigrants and their descendants. The survey (opinion poll), will also be carried out on a representative sample of the population of Slovenia. In studying the integration policy and the Slovenian legal and policy framework, we will use the analysis of secondary sources (scientific and professional literature, legislation, political documents) and discourse analysis.
Political decision-makers and general public will thus be presented an outline of the situation of immigrants and their descendants, based on objective data provided by our research, along with subjective perception of immigrants and majority society regarding immigrant integration into the Slovenian society. The contribution of the proposed research will be double: on the one hand it will contribute to understanding of the studied processes and to progress of research theory and methodology in the field of integration, on the other hand it will supply data which will enable political decision makers in Slovenia to take informed decisions regarding regulation of integration processes.
Significance for science
The aim of the project is to study the current situation, needs and interests of the populations, addressed by the Slovenian integration policy, as well as to identify the populations and spheres of integration, which are only addressed to a lesser extent or not at all. We plan to study integration processes with the help of heuristic model, which pays attention to multidimensional and complex character of society and integration processes. The final result of the project will be a comprehensive study including different dimensions, parties and levels of integration, along with the temporal dimension and comparative aspect of the integration process. In terms of theory and methodology there has never been a similar research study in Slovenia. Such studies are also scarce at international level, however necessary for the further development of theory in this field (Penninx & Garcés-Mascarenas 2016: 192). A rich collection of new, original empirical data, resulting from the project, as well as their analysis will contribute foundations for the further development of theory and research methodology in this field, and will also be instrumental in shaping up necessary measures and policies.
It has to be mentioned that researchers from different scientific disciplines will participate in the project (political science, sociology, geography, law and linguistics), which will contribute to promotion of interdisciplinary approach, which is necessary for exhaustive research of complex social phenomena like integration. Combinations of different research practices and synthesis of different kinds of expertise will contribute to wider and more comprehensive research and understanding of integration processes, while at the same time acquired findings will be transferred back to individual scientific disciplines and research methodologies.
Significance for the country
The aim of the project is to study the current situation, needs and interests of the populations, addressed by the Slovenian integration policy, as well as to identify the populations and spheres of integration, which are only addressed to a lesser extent or not at all. We plan to study integration processes with the help of heuristic model, which pays attention to multidimensional and complex character of society and integration processes. The final result of the project will be a comprehensive study including different dimensions, parties and levels of integration, along with the temporal dimension and comparative aspect of the integration process. In terms of theory and methodology there has never been a similar research study in Slovenia. Such studies are also scarce at international level, however necessary for the further development of theory in this field (Penninx & Garcés-Mascarenas 2016: 192). A rich collection of new, original empirical data, resulting from the project, as well as their analysis will contribute foundations for the further development of theory and research methodology in this field, and will also be instrumental in shaping up necessary measures and policies.
It has to be mentioned that researchers from different scientific disciplines will participate in the project (political science, sociology, geography, law and linguistics), which will contribute to promotion of interdisciplinary approach, which is necessary for exhaustive research of complex social phenomena like integration. Combinations of different research practices and synthesis of different kinds of expertise will contribute to wider and more comprehensive research and understanding of integration processes, while at the same time acquired findings will be transferred back to individual scientific disciplines and research methodologies.
Most important scientific results
Interim report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Interim report
