Researching ‘liquid integration’: breaking new ground for processual and contingent methodology

Abstract

Although there has been a broad and controversial debate on the concept of integration in social science over the last couple of decades the methodological debate of how to measure the processual, contingent side of integration is still in its infancy. This especially has become relevant against the background of newly introduced more dynamic and more contingent theoretical perspectives on integration. Against this backdrop, the paper sets out to critically reflect on methodological implications of the liquid integration perspective. We argue for a practice research perspective regarding emic and etic idiosyncratic perceptions and understandings of integration for better researching the processing and contingent side of temporal embedded integration processes and experiences and for invigorating critical reflections about methodological issues in researching integration.