Belongings in segregated residential areas. A study on identity expression of immigrants living in Rosengård, Malmö from a sociological perspective

Abstract: This study revolves around how the adult immigrants who live in Rosengård think and feel about living in this segregated area, the impact such place has on identity creation and how identity development is seen in the background of their integration into the Swedish society. In this study the qualitative method has been used – six interviews have been conducted with residents of Rosengård. On the basis of the empirical study, it is claimed the informants feel stigmatized not only by living in this neighbourhood but also by the fact that they are immigrants. This causes disruption between them and those who live outside Rosengård. It is proposed that “unhealthy” contacts between “Rosengårders” and “non-Rosengårders” depict problematic relation the host country has towards immigrants that makes the housing estate such as Rosengård a stigmatized place. Marginalization/ stigmatization/ segregation experienced by residents of Rosengård will reduce their life chances and influence formation of their identities. Some residents of Rosengård can use this stigma as an explanation for difficulties in finding employment which partially can explain the high unemployment rates in Rosengård. Seen from the results of the study, environment can be stigmatizing for its residents but only outside Rosengård. In Rosengård the surroundings play a very important part in creation of identities of its residents giving rise to development of collective identification. Residents of Rosengård do not see this housing estate as a restricted area but as a place they are welcome and where they are “themselves” since created social bonds result in feelings of security, acceptance, attachment and solidarity. However, collective identity will be viewed differently by its members based on different life experiences each of them encounters.