Immigrants’ Experiences on Integration While Attempting to Access the Labour Market: Implications for Social Work Practice

Reidun Ims, Lennart Lorås, Ottar Ness and Linda Finlay
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Reidun Ims: Department of Social Studies, University of Stavanger, 4021 Stavanger, Norway
Lennart Lorås: Department of Welfare and Participation, Western University of Applied Sciences, 5020 Bergen, Norway
Ottar Ness: Department of Education and Lifelong Learning, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
Linda Finlay: The Open University/Private Practice, York YO23 3 PS, UK

Social Sciences, 2021, vol. 10, issue 4, 1-16

Abstract: (1) Background: The challenge of immigrants and their integration into adopted countries is a key topic for the global field of social work. However, there is a paucity of research on immigrants’ lived experiences in gaining access to the labour market. Thus, this study examines how immigrants in Norway experience integration while in the process of gaining access to the labour market. The prevalent notion of integration achieved through gainful employment narrows the concept of integration and disguises the underlying marginalization and inequalities that are derived from majority- minority dividing lines. (2) Methods: Data were collected via nine qualitative semi-structured interviews with ten immigrants (one interview was with a couple) living in Norway. Data was analysed by using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. (3) Results: The results showed that the participants experienced social exclusion but accepted this as an inevitable part of being an immigrant. The participants regarded the learning of Norwegian language as the key aspect to understanding social customs and forming informal relationships with native Norwegians and important for achieving integration. Freedom and equality were also regarded as issues of great importance. (4) Conclusions: The results provide the field of social work with important insights towards informing social work practices and challenging current paradigms.

Keywords: social work; qualitative research; interpretative phenomenological analysis; immigrants; integration; subjective experiences (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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