| 3. |
- Setoodegan, Parisa, et al.
(författare)
-
Events and social integration : How sport and outdoor events can work as drivers for newcomers´ social integration
- 2021
-
Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Immigrant-receiving societies emphasize the need for immigrants to integrate intomainstream life. In Sweden, this trend has manifested itself in integration policies.In the present study, the authors aim to understand sports and outdoor events experience and its effects on social integration of immigrants and refugees’ in the Jämtland County, Sweden. By ‘giving voice’ to 19 immigrants from different nationalities, this study explores the new Swedes’ perspectives on social integration process and conceptualizes their engagement and experience of sports and outdoor events throughout this process. The participants speak of the benefits and needs to participate actively in the society of settlement, but they also describe the barriers and obstacles that they may face. Their perception of integration is built on their life stories and experiences. Based on findings and results, three descriptive themes are described. These themes are interpreted in one overarching theme elaborating the role of sports and outdoor events as a social connection leading to social integration of newcomers. It is assumed that sports and outdoors are not strong enough to achieve social integration, rather they can act as social bridges and provide a common ground where integration can be cultivated. The results of this study can be useful for the sports and events planners and organizers as well as those who deal with newcomers’ integration in any society
|
|
| 4. |
- Setoodegan, Parisa, et al.
(författare)
-
Immigrant Perspectives : Embracing the Swedish Outdoors
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Book of Abstract. ; , s. 152-152
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Immigrant-receiving societies, like Sweden, underscore the importance of immigrant integrationinto mainstream life. While integration through leisure activities and outdoor recreation has beena focal point in Europe (Gentin, 2011), academic research on this aspect is lacking in Sweden. This is significant given Sweden's strong social and economic ties to outdoor activities. Sweden, renowned for its vast forests and natural environment, places importance on outdoor recreational activities, winter sports, and international events. Major sports events not only impact regional economies but also contribute to positive social outcomes, including a sense of pride and improved quality of life (Wallstam et al., 2020). The popularity of outdoor activities among Swedes, with one in three Swedes ages 6-80 engage in sports (Idrottsstatistik, 2022) and one-third in outdoor recreation (Public Health Agency for Sweden, 2018), make the mintegral to daily life. Sports and outdoor activities serve as potential avenues for immigrants to connect with natives, acting as social bridges for integration (Ekholm, 2019; Elbe et al., 2018). Previous research highlights the potential for integration through events and leisure activities, with factors such as race (Qian & Cobas, 2004), and cultural differences (Kalmijn & Tubergen, 2006) influencing cross-group interactions. This study focuses on the social integration of immigrants in Jämtland County, Sweden, exploring socially sustainable tourism perspectives, social capital (Putnam, 1993), and integration frameworks (Ndofor-Tah et al., 2019). Insights from 34 immigrants reveal events as potent settings for building interactions and networks. However, the study emphasizes that time and active involvement in events are fundamental for integration, placing a substantial responsibility on immigrants. Moreover, the study reveals that immigrants perceive events differently from other leisure activities, particularly sports, underscoring a significant and multifaceted information gap. Recognizing the distinctive role and importance of events in their social lives during the post-immigration period is crucial, calling for increased awareness among both immigrants and relevant stakeholders.
|
|
