Connecting Foreign-Born Women and the State – The Role of Civil Society-Municipal Partnerships in Labor Market Integration

Abstract: Among foreign-born women there is a significant employment gap compared to native women as well as foreign-born men. At the same time public institutions have been deemed as unable to deliver labor market integration efforts that are adapted to the needs of foreign-born women, which has been pointed out as a necessity. In this context, civil society-municipal partnerships have been recognized as a possible way to address the issue. Yet, these types of partnerships have been questioned. The aim of this thesis has therefore been to illuminate the dynamics of top-down policies and frontline practices of state-civil partnerships, and examine how they respond to the needs of target groups. The labor market project Framtidsprogrammet has been used as a case study, drawing upon empirical data in the form of interviews and project applications and evaluations. For the analysis a theoretical framework consisting of social action theory, open systems theory and co-production have been employed. Nya Kompisbyrån has through its operating role been found to involve a hard-to-reach heterogeneous group of foreign-born women with diverse needs in Framtidsprogrammet. It has been achieved through a co-delivered personal outreach work strengthened by collaboration; by providing an arena for socializing and practicing Swedish and getting closer to work or studies; and through a welcoming atmosphere with target group adapted services and structures. The project has also promoted a more effective communication and cooperation between the target group and the municipalities through participatory processes. Altogether making a case for Nya Kompisbyrån being able to include foreign-born women in Framtidsprogrammet and connecting them with the state.