Religion and culture as phenomena in inclusion work

Religion and culture as phenomena in inclusion work

Research through studies through the World Value Survey claims that Sweden can be described as one of the world's most secularized countries. Many asylum seekers and new arrivals, however, come from social and cultural contexts where religion and tradition largely characterize both living conditions and everyday life. Research concerning the target group, which has come to Sweden in recent years and their meeting with civil society, can make an important knowledge contribution on how such meetings are constituted. There are studies that indicate that the immigrant becomes an individual in limbo in two worlds, a "man in the gap".

However, secularisation as a phenomenon in Sweden can be called into question and it can be argued that traditional religious beliefs and church affiliation have changed, ie. religiosity manifests itself in other forms. When it comes to migrants, there are studies that show that many people feel more religious after migration than before. From experiencing religion as a routine self-evident (ie the habitus of individuals and groups), the practice of religion becomes something that requires personal decision-making and choices.

Questions: 1) What conditions do representatives of different faiths and members feel that there are meetings and dialogues on religious and cultural issues? 2) How is the religion of immigrants' homeland transformed and innovated? 2) What role do associations with links to religion and culture in the area play in promoting inclusion in society?

The study is being conducted at two major locations in western Sweden. The project is ongoing during the period August 2019-June 2020.