Breaking the Cycle of Exclusion : Examining Effective Interventions for Second-Generation Immigrant Children in Sweden

Abstract: Second-generation immigrant children in Sweden, especially those of non-European heritage, find themselves entangled in a web of social exclusion. Against the backdrop of escalating disparities between social strata, and a conspicuous failure in the integration of immigrants, the study explores this matter in depth. With a focus on Rapatac, a Swedish non-governmental organisation, the study delves into three critical dimensions: 1) the manifestations of social exclusion experienced by these children, 2) the interventions employed to combat these outcomes, and 3) the indicators that gauge the efficacy of these efforts. A qualitative methodology was employed, based on semi-structured interviews with Rapatac staff members, document analysis, and a thematic analysis. These laid bare four forms of social exclusion faced by second-generation immigrant children: educational disparities, psychological exclusion, neighbourhood exclusion, and the intricacies of normative integration. In response to these challenges, educational interventions, skill development initiatives, community engagement endeavours, and mentorship and support programmes collectively form Rapatac’s arsenal to counteract the consequences of social exclusion. Measuring the impact of these interventions revealed that the attendance records of both school and Rapatac, and academic performance, emerged as pivotal barometers of progress. Also, a surge in collaborations, funding, and volunteerism at both the organisational and individual levels testify to the recognition of Rapatac’s influence on numerous communities. Consequently, the study validates the relativity, agency, and dynamic nature inherent in social exclusion research.