Belonging : Perception of Identity of Bolivian Migrant’s Descendants in Sweden

Abstract: Sweden has a long history of receiving immigrants and has also a generous integration policy where the immigrants can enjoy their rights as well as themselves being responsible for their relation towards the society culturally. This is true for all immigrants but this study concentrate on immigrants from Bolivia who mostly arrived in the 1980s. As time passed by, families were formed and in many cases the cultural identity of the parents were transmitted to their children. Today these children are young adults; they have their own perception of their self-identity and are in a way the result of the Swedish integration policy. This study has through semi-structured interviews tried to explain and show the complexity of their perception of identity. Due to the author’s own background, focus has been on Bolivian migrant’s descendant’s perception of identity, which factors have been important for them and whether or not they feel they want to transfer their identity to their children. The study is based on 16 interviews with young adults with one or two parents with origin in Bolivia. Interviews have been made all around Sweden and the findings were analyzed by using the theory of Biculturalism, Acculturation and Intergenerational Transmission of Identity. The findings show that the aspect of identity is complex and also that the descendants feel they are always questioned about their origin, which in a way prevent them to define themselves as a Swedes or Bolivians. This they have solved in many cases by accepting their parent’s origin and acknowledge it at the same time as they claim to be Swedes. Even though it is complex, they feel very positive about their belonging in two worlds and feel they thereby have a broader perspective than others. Considering transmitting their identity to the third generation, they all feel it is important and will try to achieve it. By this study it is hoped to feed into the discussion on identity and belonging, and also for how long have one’s immigrant background validity before assimilating, if ever.