Swedish Integration Efforts Need Overhaul, Study Suggests

Integrating foreign-born individuals into Swedish society requires more than just language instruction, according to a new study. Bi Puranen, research leader at the World Values Survey (WVS), argues that Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) programs must incorporate concrete societal orientation to enhance integration, particularly for those in vulnerable areas.

“

One in five migrants who have lived in Sweden for more than 20 years state that they have never been employed. In vulnerable areas, this applies to nearly one in three migrants. These are two of several results that show that time in the country does not in itself lead to integration.

The WVS, commissioned by the Swedish government, investigated values and social norms among foreign-born residents. The findings reveal that one in five migrants who have lived in Sweden for over 20 years have never been employed. This figure rises to nearly one in three in vulnerable neighborhoods. Puranen emphasizes that simply residing in Sweden does not automatically lead to integration.

To address this, Puranen suggests that SFI courses should more extensively combine language studies with practical information about Swedish work life, gender equality, children's rights, religious freedom, and an individual's legal status. Many interviewees in marginalized areas expressed concern that their children have limited contact with native Swedes and lack sufficient knowledge about the country's society.

“

Therefore, language studies within SFI should to a significantly greater extent be combined with concrete societal orientation about work life, gender equality, children's rights, religious freedom, and the individual's legal status.

The study underscores that daily life for many migrants remains largely separate from the surrounding society. Therefore, workplaces, schools, and residential areas are identified as crucial arenas for integration. The findings are set to be presented to the Minister for Education and Integration, Simona Mohamsson.

“

It is not enough for people to live in Sweden if their daily lives for decades largely take place alongside the surrounding society. Workplaces, schools, and residential areas are therefore central integration arenas.