Perceived challenges living and integrating into Finnish society: A study among immigrants in Finland

Abstract

The number of immigrants living in Finland has significantly increased since the 1990s. It can be challenging to live and integrate into a new society. This study explores the challenges immigrants face living and integrating into Finnish society. Drawing on data collected from 103 immigrants living in Finland, this study shows that the challenges immigrants face integrating into Finnish society can be classified into four main categories: (1) language barrier, (2) discrimination in employment opportunities, (3) racism and inequality, and (4) fewer opportunities of integration. Implications and recommendations are briefly considered.

Migration and Youth: The Lived Experiences of Russian Youth in Finland

“…This theory reveals the differences in the integration process between the first-generation immigrants that have arrived recently and their descendants, or the second generation (Zhou 1999). Research aiming to describe the integration models for second-generation immigrants is based on the segmented assimilation theory in Europe as well (Crul and Vermeulen 2003a;Crul and Vermeulen 2006), including in Finland (Jääskeläinen 2003;Sarvimäki 2011;Kemppainen et al 2020;Nshom et al 2022). Particular attention is paid to two integration types: downward assimilation and upward mobility through ethnic cohesion.…”

Intergroup Contact, Perceived Attitudes, and Immigrants’ Attitudes Towards Locals: The Case of Immigrants Living in Finland

“…Contact between groups can affect the perception or impressions group members have towards each other. Within this line of research, there is an abundance of literature that suggests that contact between immigrants and members of the host society can cognitively transform the perceptions, impressions, and feelings of locals toward immigrants (Jaakkola, 2000;Nshom, 2016;Pettigrew, 1998;Pettigrew & Tropp, 2006, 2008Nshom et al, 2022). Particularly, positive contact experiences have been proven to lead to more favorable thoughts, feelings, and attitudes, while negative contact experiences have been found to lead to more unfavorable thoughts and feelings towards minority groups such as immigrants (Corenblum & Stephan, 2001;Stephan et al, 2000;2002;Wolsko, Park, Judd, & Bachelor, 2003).…”

“…Today, the immigrant population stands between three hundred and three hundred and fifty thousand (Statistics Finland, 2022). Finnish attitudes towards immigration and immigrants are said to be mixed (Nshom, 2022;Yle, 2019aYle, , 2019b. Previous research on the antecedents of these attitudes towards immigrants in Finland and in other parts of the world has been well documented over the past decades (see Esses, Jackson & Armstrong, 1998;Ervasti, 2004;Fussell, 2014;Gorodzeisky & Semyonov, 2009;Hainmueller & Hopkins, 2014;Jaakkola, 2000;Nshom & Croucher, 2014, 2018Nshom, 2016;Markaki & Longhi, 2013;Paas & Halapuu, 2012).…”

Identifying and Resolving Conflicts Using Local Wisdom: A Qualitative Study

“…The instrument used in this study was an interview guide containing open-ended questions as trigger questions to dig up more detailed data related to information about language, culture, and conflicts. The open-ended questions allow people to communicate and express their viewpoints freely using their words and expressions (Nshom et al, 2022). This instrument helps researchers in collecting data in the field.…”

“…The Maluku people's reality divides them into groups based on cultural identity, so achieving social cohesion will take much work (Roulston & Cook, 2021). Social integration is a condition that allows each group to establish interaction without having to lose their cultural identity or give up one's native culture (Nshom et al, 2022;Spyros, 2019). As a result of this lack of social cohesion (Ali, 2020), efforts to form a common will as a Maluku people who permanently live in harmony will become a complicated issue and require a relatively long time to achieve.…”