Mainstreaming in practice: the efficiencies and deficiencies of mainstreaming in Spain

Abstract

This project, brought together researchers in five EU countries (UK, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain), analyses how, why and to what effect governments at the EU, national and local level mainstream their migrant integration policies. It aimed to promote a learning process in terms of policy coordination, practices and outcomes in the governance of migrant integration. It also aimed to understand why and when policies are mainstreamed; to enhance understanding of and exchange lessons on how to mainstream policies; and to understand and improve the consequences of mainstreaming. In each country, the project entailed a broader outline of mainstreaming policies at the national level as well as an in-depth exploration of localised policies and practices in two locations.

UCM researchers were responsible for conducting fieldwork in the Madrid and Barcelona. As migrant integration is a strongly multi-dimensional issue, work focused on two specific areas of migrant integration policies: education and social cohesion. The focus on these two areas enabled an in-depth analysis of how mainstreaming efforts have resorted to specific effects in terms of policy coordination, practices and outcomes.

The project has been hosting a series of policy round tables and transnational work visits aimed at opening up a space for knowledge exchange among policy-makers at different scales of governance in the case study countries.