By Layan Amouri | Issue 25
Migration significantly impacts adolescents, especially those in the critical phase of identity formation. For Syrian adolescents in Sweden, their journey is marked by unique challenges and opportunities.
The refugee crisis and Sweden's response
There are 120 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, many of whom are children and youth. Sweden has directly experienced the impact of growing forced displacement globally. In 2015, when what many call a refugee crisis occurred, an estimated 70,000 children sought asylum in Sweden where Syrians make up the largest population of refugees. The conflict that began in Syria in 2011 displaced over 12 million people, and from 2012 to 2020, Sweden received an estimated 453,380 Syrian asylum seekers. This increased need for asylum strained resources and highlighted gaps in Sweden's integration framework.
The Swedish government aims to foster integration based on responsibilities and rights to enable opportunities for all, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. However, the surge in asylum applications led to stricter policies, such as temporary residence permits and stringent permanent residency conditions managed by public authorities and labour market integration. Despite these measures, challenges persist in family reunification, housing, and residency requirements. New proposals, such as mandatory language proficiency and knowledge of Swedish society, may add further obstacles. These issues underscore the disparity between Sweden's integration goals and current practices, which is crucial for understanding the experiences of Syrian adolescents as they navigate their identities within a broader socio-political context.
Cultural integration and identity development
Adapting to Swedish culture while preserving Syrian identity is a delicate balance. Schools are pivotal in this integration. New students' literacy, language, and experiences in Sweden are assessed within two months of receiving a school placement to determine their grade placement and support needs. Schools provide stability and a sense of belonging but can also be sites of exclusion and discrimination, impacting adjustment.
The drastic shift from Arabic to Swedish in education was a shock for me. Integrating into regular classes with limited language skills was stressful, leading to exclusion and discrimination, which affected my well-being and sense of belonging. Forming friendships was challenging due to different social norms and language barriers. Research validates these experiences, highlighting struggles for belonging and the impact of social exclusion and perceived discrimination on immigrant adolescents in Sweden negatively affecting their academic success and well-being. These challenges are, moreover, exacerbated due to the lack of supportive adults and parental involvement due to language barriers and unfamiliarity with the Swedish system. Sweden's high ranking in the educational integration domain of the Migrant Integration Index (MIPEX) contrasts with the lived experiences of exclusion of many newly arrived adolescents, emphasising the need for schools to foster inclusive environments.
Betweenship and in-betweenness
"Betweenship" aptly describes the experience of Syrian adolescents in Sweden. Experiencing betweenship involves feeling excluded or in-between established norms of national or cultural identity, shining a light on the difficulties of belonging for those who only partially connect to a social group or culture. At home, we maintain Syrian customs, while outside, we navigate a blend of Syrian and Swedish norms. I wish to remain close to my family in Syria to receive their support and warmth while maintaining my professional opportunities and networks in Sweden, stuck in between, striving to blend the best of both worlds. This dual identity can be enriching but also confusing, leading to "in-betweenness", feeling caught between different cultural categories. This state can cause identity instability and challenges in feeling fully belonging to the host society. Studies reveal similar experiences among adolescents with immigrant backgrounds caught between their country of origin's expectations and new cultural norms in Sweden, highlighting the emotional and psychological challenges of dual identity.
Taking on responsibilities at a young age
Acculturation is a postmigration psychological and cultural adjustment process following an intercultural contact that involves adapting to a new society's values and norms. Youth and children often learn a new language and culture faster than their parents, leading to role reversal and generational gaps, termed dissonant acculturation. Upon arrival at 14 years old, I took on adult responsibilities early, like translating and managing bureaucratic tasks, and at the same time, balancing schoolwork and social integration. This dual role was both empowering and burdensome, adding to the stress of adolescent development. Studies in Sweden show that many immigrant youth act as mediators in various contexts because of cultural and language gaps between Swedish and their country of origin, increasing anxiety and impacting identity development.
This group faces, therefore, "complex vulnerability" due to migration-related difficulties and the demands of integration. It creates a "double grief process" which refers to the added adaptation difficulties faced by immigrant youth, compared to their native Swedish peers, due to linguistic barriers and uncertainty about the future. This contributes to anxiety and hinders identity development. Current evidence suggests newly arrived adolescents must handle several demands from different directions and thus need support to adjust to their new context. Society must acknowledge these difficulties for this support to be effective, which is not always the case in practice.
Nordic exceptionalism and its impact
Sweden's integration approach is often framed within "Nordic exceptionalism", portraying the Nordic countries as models of equality and solidarity. However, this image can obscure the real challenges refugees face. Discrimination in Nordic countries has become subtler but remains profound. The gap between the idealised image and the reality of immigrant Syrian adolescents' experiences can leave them feeling misunderstood and unsupported in their unique challenges, further complicating their sense of belonging to Swedish society and identity formation. This creates an "in-betweenness loop," where unmet needs perpetuate feelings of disconnection.
Resilience and empowerment
Despite challenges, Syrian adolescents in Sweden demonstrate remarkable resilience. Community support, local Syrian communities, language courses, and integration programmes are vital for their adaptation and growth. Participating in youth programmes and community activities has been empowering, fostering a sense of agency and belonging. Significant individuals and support systems, including school counsellors and community programmes, help Syrian refugee youth adapt and thrive.
Studies on Syrian immigrants in Norway, similar to Sweden, highlight the importance of social support and access to services for maintaining resilience and well-being during resettlement. However, immigrant adolescents also face unique developmental challenges compared to their native peers. While both groups share similar tasks, the timing and manner of these tasks are affected by immigration-related challenges. The existing support systems, primarily designed for the ethnic majority, often neglect the needs of immigrant youth, hindering their development and integration. Tailored support structures and youth participation are crucial for effective interventions and support systems. Ignoring their challenges stifles growth; their voices must be heard for successful development and equal support.
The journey of Syrian adolescents in Sweden illustrates their resilience and adaptability. Navigating dual identities involves challenges but also opportunities for growth and cultural enrichment. Embracing "betweenship" and "in-betweenness," these young individuals honour their heritage while integrating into their new homeland. Support systems must acknowledge and celebrate this dual identity to foster a more inclusive society. Recognising the unique challenges faced by Syrian adolescents, policymakers and educators can provide better support, ensuring successful integration and development for all youth.
Layan Amouri is a social worker with a master's in social work focusing on issues related to migration, integration, and immigrant youths’ well-being and adjustment. She works in research at Örebro University within the psychology and social work department.
In research and project management roles, she has worked on youth participation, intervention science, inclusive migration, integration, and education policies.
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