Different Diversities or Diverse Differences? Impacts of Social Capital- Exploring the role of social networks among Swedish students in Malmö

Following changes in patterns of international migration, Swedish migration policy has witnessed a discursive shift from an attitude of multiculturalism to a focus on individual and civic integration. However problems of ethnic segregation and socio-economic exclusion of immigrants remain a serious challenge, especially in metropolitan areas. This research aims to shed light on how different configurations of social capital impact civic interactions and trust between young immigrants and Swedish residents, thus contributing towards, or hindering, a successful achievement of the goal of integration. Semi-structured interviews with students from an ethnically mixed school in Malmö were employed to gain primary data on social interactions between the two groups. In order to take into account other factors that can influence the youths' attitudes and action (such as the parents' social structure), the research also provides insights into three municipal projects aimed at increasing integration. The findings point towards the existence of distinct and separate social networks among the students, based on characteristics that can be attributes of social exclusion on the first place. Thus resulting in a perception of ‘difference’ regarding certain immigrant groups. On the other hand while all the three projects seem to result in positive outcomes of social structures by diffusion of information, at the same time it still seems that the most segregated do not benefit from them. These results provide the basis for a better understanding of potential ways of increasing trust and mutual understanding amongst the city residents