Integrationens verklighet : En tematisk analys på sekundärdata av syriska flyktingars berättelser

Sammanfattning

The goals of Swedish integration policy consist of equal rights, obligations and opportunities for all, regardless of ethnic and cultural background. However, previous research shows that there is an inequality between native Swedes and refugees in terms of living standards. In addition, it appears that there is frustration over the shortcomings of social work practice in terms of the challenges surrounding integration. From a refugee perspective on integration in Sweden, the study aims to achieve an in-depth understanding from some of those who live in the reality of integration. A thematic analysis has been carried out on secondary data to achieve the purpose of examining Syrian refugees' experiences of what is important and what constitutes an obstacle to integration. The results show that relationships with Swedes appear to be the most significant factor for feeling integrated as a refugee. Stereotypes and prejudices, lack of language skills and settlement location appears to lead to social and spatial isolation for many refugees. Experiences of a randomized system at the Swedish authorities also appears to lead to mistrust of the authorities that are set to cooperate for integration. Finally, it appears that the process of asylum and establishment entails many psychological strains, causing experiences of passivity in the integration process. Finally, the results have been analyzed in relation to previous research and the theoretical concepts of social capital, with focus on Putnam’s distinction between bonding and bridging social capital, stereotypes and prejudices.