Problematizing culture: Discourses on integration in Norway

How does one, in a society which traditionally has been perceived as homogenous and egalitarian, debate issues of immigration and increasing cultural diversity? This article analyses the notion of integration as it has been used and constructed in Norwegian politics from the 1970s until today. It is argued that culture has emerged as an increasingly problematic dimension in integration policy and public debate. While cultural diversity must be accommodated and celebrated, certain cultural practices, especially in relation to women, have also appeared as increasingly threatening to what is considered as fundamental values in Norwegian society.