Visibilizar, medir y evaluar las políticas de integración de inmigrantes: El caso del MIPEX

In this paper, I analyse the problematisations, rationales and logic behind the functioning of MIPEX, an index for the assessment of national immigrant integration policies elaborated in the context of EU “soft policies”. From a qualitative perspective and drawing on my doctoral research, I focus on the calculation practices and inscription technologies used by this tool. I argue that: 1) even though MIPEX presents itself as a rational, technical and scientific tool, its data-building procedures stem from a specific and political notion of integration; 2) its operating logic aims to produce governmental effects, attempting to align EU member states’ policies with EU objectives; and 3) in this process, certain actors and knowledge are legitimized–mostly quantitative, quasi-experimental and “neopositivistic” ones–while others are delegitimized. I conclude that MIPEX can be considered a paradigmatic example of current practices of “governing by numbers”.