Mainstreaming in Practice: The Efficiencies and Deficiencies of Mainstreaming for Street-Level Bureaucrats

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the practice of mainstreaming, more specifically on the implementation of mainstreaming at the street level. The chapter shows that on the one hand mainstreaming helps street-level bureaucrats to make use of their policy discretion to address the complexity of the situation that immigrants face. On the other hand, the broad mainstreamed policy frame can also lead to airbrushing or ‘denial’ of diversity issues and challenges, both at the level of policy making and policy implementation. While the implementation of mainstreaming at the street level can turn out more inclusive due to the custom work street-level bureaucrats deliver, without political leadership and support for a more inclusive mainstreaming approach, the priorities and expertise at the street-level are prone to a risk of dilution.