Meanings, mechanisms, and obstacles of integration in Lindesnes, Norway: How refugees, immigrants, and the receiving society encounter one another, each other, and themselves

Abstract

In the past decade, an unprecedented number of people have come to Europe seeking refuge. This has thrust immigration into the spotlight, especially for generous welfare states such as Norway. As rural areas of the country become more diverse, understanding social interaction among immigrants – including refugees – and the receiving society is critical for improved integration outcomes. Through ethnographic research, this master’s thesis sheds light on how immigrant and ethnic Norwegian residents of Lindesnes municipality define and relate to integration. The data reveal factors that contribute to and hinder integration. These findings are then analyzed through the use of Garcés-Mascareñas and Penninx’s (2016) heuristic model for the study of integration, which puts a focus on the interaction between and among immigrants and the receiving society. The findings reveal the importance of the receiving society to both individual and societal integration outcomes. How individuals, organizations, and institutions in Norway perceive and interact with immigrants is paramount. Based on the findings and subsequent discussion, specific recommendations are made for Lindesnes municipality. While each place comes with its own unique characteristics, the findings and recommendations may be useful to other communities in Norway and beyond.