Introduction: Integration in and Through Education and Employment

In this book, our focus is on different aspects of education, employment, and integration of migrants in Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland, and what could be perceived as the relative success of integration processes from different theoretical vantage points, perspectives, and aspects. One intention of the book is to start a debate about what ‘successful integration’ entails. Research about migrants tends to focus on integration failures, such as structural hindrances, discrimination, lack of skills, and difficulties with recognition of prior learning. Our focus is on achievements rather than deficits, particularly how migrants transcend obstacles and mobilise cultural resources. The chapters in the book examine, for example, the significance of labour market initiatives, recognition of prior learning, recognition processes in career counselling, the importance of encounters, historical aspects of integration, the concept of integration, the importance of adult education, bridging programmes, and multicultural perspectives in education.