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2022 | Book

Introducing Local Immigration and Integration Policy – Approaches and Themes Read chapter Read first chapter

Local Migration Policy

Governance Structures and Policy Output in Swedish Municipalities

Authors: Dr. Gustav Lidén, Dr. Jon Nyhlén

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Part of: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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About this book

This book examines local migration policy in Sweden in light of the European migrant crisis. The novel approach of this volume covers both local governments’ policies on admission of immigrants and their efforts for enhancing social integration. The focus is on the division of responsibilities between political levels, examined through theories encompassing both governance structures and output and outcomes of policy. Sweden is a rare example where migration policy has undergone massive changes in the last decade. During the crisis, the country received some of the largest flows of immigrants in relation to its population compared with other European countries. Drawing from statistical material, case studies and a rich body of interviews, this innovative work provides a valuable resource that aspires to investigate the significance of the local level of government in migration policy. The objective is to reach general conclusions that go beyond the realms of the empirical focus.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. Introducing Local Immigration and Integration Policy – Approaches and Themes
Abstract
This chapter describes the focus of this book: to examine how the European migrant crisis and its associated policy changes affected local migration policy in Sweden. This aim is based on arguments that the local level is crucial in studies of migration policy and that Sweden is a particularly suitable case for examining this topic. The chapter conceptualises the two dimensions of local migration policy and explains that they are studied through analyses of governance structures, on the one hand, and output and outcomes of such policies, on the other. A description of research design ends the chapter, including different types of material that after analysis collectively contributes to answering the research questions.
Gustav Lidén, Jon Nyhlén
Chapter 2. Theoretical Points of Departure
Abstract
The theoretical points of departure are presented in this chapter, starting with a fuller presentation and definition of the key concepts: local immigration policy and local integration policy. Thereafter, three theoretical models of governance structures are compiled, consisting of vertical, horizontal, and multi-level modes that form the basis of the analysis of both local immigration and integration policy. This section is followed by separate conceptualisations of the two aspects of local migration policy that are also used in analyses of the empirical material. These theoretical clarifications constitute the building blocks of a theoretical framework for examining local migration policy, which is presented at the end of this chapter. Embedded throughout this chapter is a review of previous research covering both aspects of local migration policy.
Gustav Lidén, Jon Nyhlén
Chapter 3. Governing Swedish Immigration and Integration Policy
Abstract
In this chapter the change in Swedish immigration and integration policy over time and the impact of changes on governing within the policy area are investigated. Over time, different goals have been prioritised in this sector, which is described in this chapter. A special focus is given to multi-level governance in the policy area, particularly highlighting the state–local dimension. The empirical material consists of interviews and policy material, including investigations, bills, and propositions from the government. The interviews are conducted with investigators, managers, and decision makers within the ministries and authorities that are responsible for immigration and integration. Several characteristics of the changed immigration and integration policy are investigated, including increased governing from the central government, more coherent policies, and increased traits of multi-level governance.
Gustav Lidén, Jon Nyhlén
Chapter 4. Presentation and Contextualisation of Case Studies
Abstract
Our purpose in this chapter is to consider three issues. It starts with an expanded presentation of the three case studies: the municipalities of Avesta, Vallentuna, and Östersund. This includes a description of what they represent and what characterises them in terms of historical background, demography, and the local political context. Furthermore, they are contextualised through information on how the three cases relate to each other and to Sweden in general by drawing from statistical material, including presentations of output and outcome measures of both local immigration policy and local integration policy. A description of the specific methods used to examine the case studies, including an account of the collection and analysis of data, ends the chapter.
Gustav Lidén, Jon Nyhlén
Chapter 5. Local Immigration Policy in Swedish Municipalities
Abstract
This chapter is devoted to the output of local immigration policy across all Swedish municipalities. The first part of the chapter applies a longer time series, whereas later a distinction is made between the situation before and after the migrant crisis and its associated policy reforms. Local immigration policies are described, along with potential predictors that enable the use of correlational and multivariate statistics. Before the exploited cut-off point a substantial variation between municipalities is noted, resulting in either restrictive or liberal local immigration policy, which is related to demographic, economic, sociocultural, and political circumstances. The corresponding situation following the migrant crisis and its mandatory legislation reveals an equalising effect among municipalities. However, the situation is still not as even as intended by government.
Gustav Lidén, Jon Nyhlén
Chapter 6. Local Immigration Policy in the Case Studies Selected
Abstract
In this chapter local immigration policy is analysed in the three case studies selected: the municipalities of Avesta, Vallentuna, and Östersund. Each case is presented over a longer timeframe, thus enabling comparisons before and after the migrant crisis and its associated policy reforms. Such analysis is based on distinct governance structures and policy outputs. The approach used enables a reconstruction of the processes leading to specific policy decisions. The final section is an analysis of the three cases and makes use of theoretical frameworks. Results disclose differences between the three cases and their analysed components. This includes traits of vertical, horizontal, and multi-level governance. In the latter period additional features of vertical governance structures are evident while variations of liberal or restrictive policy output of local immigration policy are likewise clear.
Gustav Lidén, Jon Nyhlén
Chapter 7. Local Integration Policy in Swedish Municipalities
Abstract
Local integration policy in Swedish municipalities is addressed in this chapter. This examination starts by looking at the socioeconomic dimension of the integration concept and focuses on integration through the labour market, through the education system, and through the housing situation of individuals. A distinction is made between output variables that display municipal efforts in terms of local integration policy and outcomes reflecting the long-term result of integration into these different spheres. Throughout the chapter comparisons between cases are complemented by focusing on a longer timeframe that enables identification of variations over time. Results show that variations between Swedish municipalities are vast, including both municipal efforts and outcomes of local integration policy. While some aspects of integration demonstrate positive trends, such as within the labour market, others show the opposite, such as within the education system.
Gustav Lidén, Jon Nyhlén
Chapter 8. Local Integration Policy in the Case Studies Selected
Abstract
This chapter analyses local integration policy in our three selected cases: the municipalities of Avesta, Vallentuna, and Östersund. Each case focuses on a longer timeframe that enables comparisons before and after the migrant crisis and its associated policy reforms. Such analysis is based on distinct governance structures and policy outputs. The three aspects of socioeconomic integration—labour, education, and housing—are used to structure the analysis, which identifies the course of events leading to policy decisions. The chapter ends with an analysis of the three cases according to theoretical assumptions. Although different patterns are revealed in the cases, they all evolved their own policies more towards modes characterised by multi-level governance. This is evident despite the output of policies diverging regarding the long-term commitment to immigrants.
Gustav Lidén, Jon Nyhlén
Chapter 9. Bringing the Pieces Together
Abstract
Integrated analysis is carried out in the last chapter of the book. Such analysis draws on the different empirical and theoretical material. This includes a discussion of the empirical findings in relation to research questions, with the theoretical framework being used to frame the answers. Wider theoretical goals are thereafter added by complementing and contrasting empirical contributions with notions of a more explorative character, followed by conclusions that particularly address state–local relations in the governance of migration policy. In the final section this book ends by condensing the theoretical contribution and framing how knowledge from this particular study can inform and assist further studies within this area and research in policy and public administration more broadly.
Gustav Lidén, Jon Nyhlén
Backmatter
Metadata
Title
Local Migration Policy
Authors
Dr. Gustav Lidén
Dr. Jon Nyhlén
Copyright Year
2022
Electronic ISBN
978-3-030-83293-3
Print ISBN
978-3-030-83292-6
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83293-3