Social integration

Social integration is a term used in sociology and several other social sciences. The term indicates different meanings depending in the context. In general, it connotes the process of combining a group of persons like minority groups, ethnic minorities, refugees, underprivileged sections of the society, to integrate into the mainstream of the society, and thus to avail themselves of the opportunities, rights and services available to the members of the mainstream of the society.

It is important to note that within the field of sociology social integration usually goes hand in hand with social solidarity and anomie.

The United Nations has a Social Integration Branch, which is a part of the Division for Social Policy and Development (Department of Economic and Social Affairs). It also issues a quarterly publication named Bulletin on Social Integration Policies.