Understanding the Situation of Afro-Swedes : Inclusion and Distance of a Minority Group in Sweden

Sammanfattning: Earlier research have portrayed Afro-Swedes’ situation in mostly negative terms and have often concentrated on just one or a few spheres of society. Success stories are overridden by examples of discrimination. This research aim to contribute to a broader picture and asks how the situation of Afro-Swedes as a minority group in the Swedish society could be understood. This qualitative desk study uses the framework from Hans-Ingvar Roth’s book Mångkulturalismens utmaningar (2005) [Challenges of Multiculturalism], to answer this questions. This research shows that Afro-Swedes experience positive and/or negative distance and/or inclusion within twelve identified spheres of society. Sometimes both positive and negative inclusion/distance is present even in the same sphere. The analysis of this research suggests that Afro-Swedes as a minority is rather distanced than included in the Swedish society, no matter if it is voluntary or not. This research do not neglect the discrimination or racism that many Afro-Swedes witness about, however, it supplements the more often negative picture presented. It does so by showing a more complex image where positive – as well as negative – elements of Afro-Swedes’ situation can be found in the Swedish society.