Understanding the role of NGOs for immigrant integration in Sweden: a case study of Tamam

Abstract: Due to various reasons like globalization and conflicts many countries are experiencing high levels of in-and outmigration. Strongly increased diversified migration has evoked a multiple reactions from the receiving societies. On the one hand, civil societies may respond positively and openly towards immigrants, but on the other hand, there have been significant changes in public and political attitudes towards limiting and controlling, or even altogether preventing migration. Sweden is one of the countries which are often lifted as a good example of how to deal with social problems. However, Sweden is a country which has experienced high inflow of immigrants and refugees and immigrant integration processes does not seem to be as smooth as they could be. To facilitate such processes several NGOs have started to work with immigrant integration in Sweden. This thesis focuses on Tamam, an NGO which is working with immigrant youth integration in Sweden. The purpose of this study is to show how Tamam is dealing with their goals for immigrant integration and what results they achieved. The study is based on interviews, participant observation and secondary data analysis. The results indicate a generally broad positive expression of the outcomes of the organization by participants and various officials.