SOCIAL AND CULTURAL INTREGATION OF SOMALI IMMIGRANTS INTO THE FINNISH SOCIETY

ABSTRACT Pinto, Adelia. Social and cultural integration of Somali immigrats into the Finnish society. 45 p., 1 appendix. Language: English, Helsinki Spring 2014. Diaconia University of Applied Sciences. Degree: Programme in Social Services. Bachelor of Social Services. This study is focused on the social and cultural integration of Somali immigrants in Finland and emphasizes on the dynamic, strengths and challenges faced by this group of immigrants in Finland. The research was conducted during spring and autumn 2013 in the period I did a field work at Somali league. During that period I received basic information about Somali culture and their life in Finland. The thesis was conducted using qualitative methods and the data was collected by interviews with five Somali immigrants from the age of 25 to 35 living in Finland for at least 10 years. The research analysis is done by using the content analysis, thus finding themes from the interview data. Based on the results of the content analysis this research concludes that integration of Somalis is a positive process and Somali people feel that their problems are taken into consideration by the authorities. The research brought aspects of the Somali people’s identity, family interaction, education and employment, housing and neighborhood, their wellbeing and the role played by media in the integration process. Key words: Somali, immigrant, social and cultural integration, society, Finlan