Samhällets kameleonter : En kvalitativ studie om andra generationens invandrares tredje identitet och mellanförskap

Sammanfattning: The overall aim of the study is to create a greater understanding of how individuals belonging to second-generation immigrants feel that their identity is shaped by living in different cultures at the same time. The purpose includes to understand these individuals' experiences of belonging and sense of identity. Furthermore, the purpose is to create a greater understanding of how their experiences can be seen in relation to social segregation and discrimination. The method for this study was semi-structured qualitative interviews with six second generation immigrants born in Malmö, with two parents born in another country than Sweden. The selection of individuals for this study has also been limited to individuals being raised in Malmö’s multicultural and segregated areas. The empirical material collected from the interviews has been analyzed with the support of theories about cultural identity, hybridity, identity construction and has also been analyzed with support from previous research. The results of this study showed that second-generation immigrants feel “in between” of cultures and they have a difficulty describing their identity. All informants stated that they constantly have to adapt to different cultures in their everyday life. However, there were times when the respondents did not have to adapt. These occasions were when they interacted with other individuals who are also second generation immigrants. They felt that they had somehow created their own culture, a common culture where they understand each other in a way that no one else does. Respondents considered that racism and discrimination in society weakened their sense of belonging and felt stigmatized in society. The fact that the respondents did not feel understood by either the community or the family contributed to the weakened sense of belonging. In this space, “in between cultures”, they have created their own culture, a culture that is not accepted or understood by the society.