Migration and integration: why does scientific research have so little impact on political decision-making?

The issues of migration and integration have been central to political and social debate in France and Europe for over three decades. Researchers are often solicited to nurture these debates and, above all, in an era of evidence-based policies, to provide support for political decisions. Their activity has developed in response to social demand, resulting in an expansion of research infrastructures, and an abundant literature produced by a growing number of specialists. Yet the gap between knowledge accumulated through research and the priorities defined by political decision-makers has never been wider. The same is true with respect to the media, whose on-the-spot reporting of migration and integration questions gives rise to a situation where the views expressed by media pundits with varying degrees of legitimate expertise are given as much credence as scientific research findings. This paradox, with its variable implications in terms of research strategy, is explained in various ways.

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