“Jag måste alltid visa mer än bara mitt utseende och min bakgrund” En kvalitativ studie om unga vuxna utrikesfödda kvinnors upplevelser av och strategier på den svenska arbetsmarknaden

Abstract

Previous research has shown that, foreign-born women often meet structural challenges in the labor market, including weak access to networks, discrimination, and recognition for previous work experience. The purpose of this study aims to examine how young adult foreign- born women experience their background effects, their work situation and opportunities in the Swedish labor market, and what strategies they use to navigate their background in professional life. This qualitative study is based on seven semi- structured interviews with women aged 20-25. Using thematic analysis and an abductive approach, made it possible to identify recurring patterns in the women’s experiences and strategies. The analysis is guided by a theoretical framework mainly based on Pierre Bourdieu’s concepts of social capital, cultural capital and symbolic capital and habitus, additional complementary perspectives of Granovetter’s network theory, racialization and intersectionality to further provide deeper understanding of how background, social relations and unequal power structures influence women’s experiences in the Swedish labor market. The findings show that the women’s experiences are shaped by how their background, social network and forms of capital are recognized in working life. Social networks are described as both a resource and limitation, while several women describe a need to prove their competence more than others. Furthermore, the study shows that visible and invisible marks, such as language, name, clothing symbols influence how they are perceived and treated. In response, these women use two principle strategies: confrontation, by speaking up against unfair treatment and strategic self-presentation. The study concludes by showing how women’s structural barriers and personal strategies shape their experiences in the Swedish labour market.