The Racial Politics of Integration in Sweden A qualitative study of Gemensamma Krafter

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to analyse how integration politics affect the everyday lives of people. A specific focus is placed on the clients of Gemensamma Krafter (GK), a functional unit within the municipality of Borlänge, Sweden which is classified by the municipality as being an integrative service. GK creates an inclusive environment where people from different cultural backgrounds meet. Data was primarily collected from six individual, semi-structured interviews. The interviewees included all GK staff members as well as several clients who attend the service. Secondary documents sourced from the municipality and GK staff were also analysed to provide additional context for GK and its operation within the municipality structure. There are many reasons for social exclusion and the aspect of race is one of them. This study has a specific focus on exploring the racial politics in Sweden’s integration politics. I use theories of social constructionism, post-colonialism, critical race theory and the concept of power relations to explain the operation of racial politics in the context of GK. I support the analysis by using the concepts of racialization, social inclusion and empowerment to inform the discussion. In my paper, I argue that the politics of integration creates division between people and the act of integration is what brings people together. Even though the motivation behind the municipality having a unit that is focused on integration is good, it inevitably places a distinction between the users and non-users of the service. I find that GK manages to be successful at attracting a mixed clientele to their service, and that by actively choosing to not make integration a focal point of their program, they are able to create a service where people from different cultural backgrounds feel comfortable attending.