Migration- ett förändrat liv, en förändrad identitet? : En kvalitativ intervjustudie med nyanlända syrianer i Sverige

The purpose of this paper is to gain an understanding of the identity problems Syrian refugees experiencing in relation with integration into Swedish society. Furthermore, the study aims to identify the main reasons why Syrian refugees choose Sweden as a destination country. The study is based on a qualitative research approach. The empirical data consists of eight in-depth interviews with individual from Syria. Theories that are used in the analyze of the result is Richard Jenkins (2008) Social Identity, Nils Hammarén & Thomas Johansson (2009) description of hybrid identities, Aleksandra Ålunds (1997) theory of ”multikultiungdomar”, Jonas Stiers (2003) description of cross-border identities and Everett S. Lee (1966) A Theory of Migration. The results are analyzed on the basis of these theoretical assumption and previous research on the topic. The result show that the majority of respondents had a preunderstanding about Sweden before they arrived. The information is mainly provided through contacts in Sweden. Safety, security and permanent residence permit constituted the most significant factors for the choice of destination country. Previous studies show that refugees undergo a mentalitet- and identity change associated with migration (Cormos, 2014). Whether respondents experiencing an identity change tends to be an individual experience. Consideration should be given to the notion the refugee had about migration and how the life situation looked before migration. Furthermore, identity problems tends mainly arise when the refugee's internal self-definition not corresponds with the surroundings definition. What may be considered to affect the identity in the new society is partly the refugees ”new” self-definition, and the experience of the surroundings external definition. Whether this is consistent or not brings consequences for the refugee's identity. Syrian refugees everyday life tend to be characterized by a cultural diversity which is resulting in a fusion of different cultural elements of life and lifestyles, which in turn tends to result in new hybrid identities.Validerat; 20160629 (global_studentproject_submitter