Leiden University Student Repository

Nijland, Lianne (2023)

Integration policy in Dutch municipalities: A policy discourse analysis of public policy briefs

Bachelor thesis | Urban Studies (BA)

This thesis uses a policy discourse analysis to examine the dominant discourses and values embedded in integration policy briefs from six Dutch municipalities: Breda, Den Haag, Dronten, Midden-Groningen, Oude Ijsselstreek, and Tilburg. In 2022, the responsibility for immigrant integration in the Netherlands partly shifted from a national to a municipal responsibility (Rijksoverheid n.d.). The analysis reveals key insights about the integration policies of these municipalities. While the dominant overlapping theme in the briefs is a focus on inclusivity and language proficiency, there are remarkable differences found between the municipalities, reflecting a diversity of values and priorities that occurs when shifting part of the responsibility for immigrant integration from a national level to a local level. This thesis also considers the concept of path dependency, as discussed by Kay, which illuminates the influence of historical policy shifts, from non-acceptance to tolerance,...Show moreThis thesis uses a policy discourse analysis to examine the dominant discourses and values embedded in integration policy briefs from six Dutch municipalities: Breda, Den Haag, Dronten, Midden-Groningen, Oude Ijsselstreek, and Tilburg. In 2022, the responsibility for immigrant integration in the Netherlands partly shifted from a national to a municipal responsibility (Rijksoverheid n.d.). The analysis reveals key insights about the integration policies of these municipalities. While the dominant overlapping theme in the briefs is a focus on inclusivity and language proficiency, there are remarkable differences found between the municipalities, reflecting a diversity of values and priorities that occurs when shifting part of the responsibility for immigrant integration from a national level to a local level. This thesis also considers the concept of path dependency, as discussed by Kay, which illuminates the influence of historical policy shifts, from non-acceptance to tolerance, multiculturalism, and assimilation, on current policy briefs. The compatibility and adoption of multiculturalism and assimilation strategies are examined within the context of each municipality.Show less

Author

Nijland, Lianne

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Supervisors

S. Kersbergen

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en