Integration can be associated with working together or with a union.
The word integration has its origin in the Latin concept integratĭo . It is the action and effect of integrating or being integrated (constituting a whole, completing a whole with the missing parts or making someone or something become part of a whole).
However, the term in question is also used in the scientific field. Specifically, it is used in mathematics to refer to the sum that is carried out on infinite sums. This basic concept is also called integral in the field of calculus, which has very ancient origins, as it was already used by Archimedes. After him, other figures such as Isaac Newton and Leibniz did the same.
What is social integration?
Social integration , for its part, is a dynamic and multifactorial process that involves people who are in different social groups (whether for economic, cultural, religious or national reasons) coming together under the same objective or precept .
In this way, social integration can occur within a certain country, when people belonging to the lower social strata are sought to improve their standard of living . To do this, the State or civil institutions must promote policies and actions to foster skills of personal and social autonomy, occupational insertion, education and adequate nutrition.
In addition to social integration, we can also talk about what is known as racial integration. The aim of this is basically to achieve real equality between people regardless of their race and to develop a culture where there is the necessary tolerance so that all cultures have a place and are respected, among other objectives.
The idea of integration can be related to inclusion.
Cooperation and joint work
On the other hand, integration can be sought by different countries, to enhance the capacity of each nation and, by working together, improve the situation of all inhabitants. An example of political and economic integration is the Common Market of the South (Mercosur) , formed by Argentina , Brazil , Paraguay , Uruguay , Venezuela , Bolivia , Chile , Colombia , Ecuador and Peru (although with different types of membership).
Among the fundamental elements that must exist to support and encourage the aforementioned economic integration are the economic and monetary union, the common market, the free trade zone or the preferential trade zone.
Also within the framework of that continent there is what is known as Latin American integration. A term that is used to define and encompass the whole set of actions, of various types, that seek to unite the countries of Latin America while always respecting the essence and the identifying characteristics of each one of them.
To achieve all this, there are various supranational organisations and a host of actions are carried out at political, economic, cultural and social levels.
In all cases, integration always involves coordinated effort, joint planning and peaceful coexistence between the sectors that make up the group . This is the only way in which the parts can form a whole, without losing their individuality.