Problematising policy: Analysis of change and continuity in Danish integration policies from 1999, 2005, and 2015

This paper studies selected Danish integration policies from 1999, 2005, and 2015, and analyses change and continuity in the problem representations, and their underlying assumptions of integration, citizenship, and nation. Through the methods of WPR and CDA, the findings show how migrants’ contribution and participation to the Danish society through employment, language, and culture courses is the most essential part of the Danish integration philosophy. A change in assumptions and language use regarding integration and contribution to the nation was observed from 1999 to 2015. However, arguments of how migrants should show active citizenship are consistent in 2005 and 2015. The Danish integration philosophy is discussed, by showing how the field very much relies on constantly “fixing” perceived problems, which has resulted in more than 20 amendments in integration policies. By studying problematisations in policy, this study contributes with detailed evaluation of the Danish integration philosophy in the last decade