Conceptualisation of Integration

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xvii

   PDF

2. Introduction

   • Abdi Hersi

   Pages 1-18

3. Muslims in Australia: Context and Background

   • Abdi Hersi

   Pages 19-41

4. Problematic Conceptions of Integration

   • Abdi Hersi

   Pages 43-64

5. Determinants of Integration

   • Abdi Hersi

   Pages 65-82

6. Detractors of Integration

   • Abdi Hersi

   Pages 83-104

7. Muslim Frames and Schemas of Integration

   • Abdi Hersi

   Pages 105-130

8. Clash of Integration Frames

   • Abdi Hersi

   Pages 131-147

9. Conclusion

   • Abdi Hersi

   Pages 149-162

10. Back Matter

    Pages 163-192

    PDF

This book identifies and examines the meanings of integration from the perspective of Australian Muslims, through analysis of focus group discussions and in-depth interviews in the South East Queensland region.  It provides a comprehensive overview of Muslim conceptualisation of integration, and the author explores the various meanings Muslims ascribe to it, such as participation, belonging and contributing to the wider society

By gaining an understanding of how Muslims define integration, this research can help policy makers, academics and settlement service providers to appreciate how culture and faith influence the meanings diverse groups give to certain accepted terms. It will be of interest to scholars and students in the fields of migration, mobility, integration and social cohesion.

• integration
• South-East Queensland
• Participation
• Belonging
• immigration
• sociology of citizenship

“As an academic who has been working in the field of migrant integration for several decades I must say that I have hardly come across a book that is as comprehensive and as insightful as Dr. Abdi Hersi’s study. He clearly shows in how many different ways the notion of integration can be and has been conceptualised and interpreted, not only in the literature, but also in practice.” (Han Entzinger, Professor Emeritus of Migration and Integration Studies: Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands)

“In contrast to various policy and institutional definitions of Muslim integration, Hersi’s study makes a strong argument for a better understanding of the nuances of the concept, particularly emphasising its subjective and contextual meanings generated through the lived experience.” (Professor Zlatko Skrbis, Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Monash University, Australia)

“Dr Hersi’s book is timely, insightful and skilfully addresses a highly topical and hotly contested issue.  It is academically rigorous, and unlike other books, Dr Hersi’s counter-narrative argument is strengthened by his long-standing engagement with the Australian Muslim community, and his 13 years’ combined experience working with Australia’s Federal Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the International Organisation for Migration. A must read for all.” (Professor Mohamad Abdalla, Director, Centre for Islamic Thought and Education, University of South Australia)

• Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia

  Abdi Hersi

Abdi Hersi is an Adjunct Research Fellow at the Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research, and former sessional lecturer in the School of Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences of Griffith University.

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