Samhällskunskapsämnet som integrationsverktyg En kvalitativ intervjustudie om utrikesföddas bild av samhällskunskapsämnets betydelse för integrationsprocessen

Sammanfattning: On the 19th of March 2023, the Swedish Minister of Integration put forth a proposal called "Sverigekursen". This proposal aims to address the challenges related to segregation and facilitate the integration of immigrants into Swedish society. "Sverigekursen" is a mandatory course in social science for individuals applying for a residence permit. The purpose of this study is to explore the views and opinions of foreign-born Swedish citizens, the potential recipients of this proposal. The study examines the relationship between civic and a high perceived level of integration into Swedish society and explores how civic engagement can positively impact integration. This qualitative interview study also investigates what a group of foreign-born Swedish citizens thinks about "Sverigekursen" and how it should be designed to effectively fulfill its purpose. The collected data is analyzed using Pierre Bourdieu's theory of capital, including social, cultural, and symbolic capital, to understand how civic engagement can strengthen capital. Through interviews with 10 informants, it became apparent that knowledge of Swedish society and culture is crucial to feeling integrated into the majority population. However, it is not certain whether the course should be mandatory and a requirement for residence. The study also shows that the process of strengthening cultural capital comes from existing social capital, and the informants believe that social relationships with the majority population are much more important than factual knowledge. These findings raise questions about the effectiveness of "Sverigekursen" in integrating immigrants into Swedish society.