Comparative and transnational perspectives on the introduction of multiculturalism in post-war Sweden

Does Religious Counselling on Abortion Comply with Sweden’s ‘Women-Friendly’ Abortion Policies? A Qualitative Exploration Among Religious Counsellors

“…Since the number of immigrants settling down in Sweden began to increase during the 1960s and 1970s, Sweden's take on integration has slowly shifted from assimilation policies to policies based on multiculturalist ideals (Borevi 2014;Wickström 2015). In Swedish public discourse today, there is a strong political support for multiculturalism in the sense of recognizing "Swedish society as inherently culturally diverse in character" (Borevi 2013, p. 152).…”

“…Existing evidence shows that, while some religious leaders' ideas regarding a specific query can be compatible with official health policies in one country, other advice may be incompatible with the state's public health interests (Underwood et al 2013). In Sweden, several studies have pointed out that, in the Swedish discourse on multiculturalism, it is often taken for granted that 'cultural diversity' is automatically enriching (Carlbom 2003;Wickström 2015). Thereby, there is a risk that authorities and policy-makers are open to the acceptance of values that are in opposition to laws, regulations and norms in society without critical reflection (Ouis et al 2013).…”

“…There can be several reasons for why the understanding of 'diversity' appears to be superficial. One hypothesis is that when multiculturalist policies become implemented in the governing of welfare systems, it is often made into a matter of representation, non-discrimination and diversity promotion (Wickström 2015). In Sweden, it seems to have been important to ensure that diverse religious communities are represented in healthcare institutions, although little attention has been directed at the political or religious ideas they uphold when patients seek spiritual advice and sympathy.…”

Migrants and Welfare States

“…First, it is important due to the (widely regarded as shameful) history of 'Swedifying' groups such as the Sámi minority (von Brömssen and Olgac, 2010;Borevi, 2014), which resulted in a distinct attention towards ensuring rights of minorities. Combined with concerns over the potential 'semi-lingualism' 25 of Finnish Swedes at the time, the historical treatment of minorities was pivotal in convincing Swedish legislators to adopt a more multicultural and integrationist approach (Salö et al, 2018) backed by both scientists and officials in an appointed Commission of Immigration (Wickström, 2015). Concurrent with (especially Finnish-speaking) activists' persistent push for extensive and explicit rights for migrants in order to preserve their cultural and linguistic identity, 1975 saw the introduction of the 'immigrant and minorities policy' (Borevi, 2014;Salö et al, 2018).…”

Educating to belong: Policy and practice of mother-tongue instruction for migrant students in the Danish welfare state

“…Combined with concerns over the potential ‘semi-lingualism’ 25 of Finnish Swedes, researched by Niels Erik Hansegård, the historical treatment of minorities was pivotal in convincing Swedish legislators to adopt a more multicultural and integrationist approach (Salö, 2018). This multicultural approach was increasingly backed throughout the 1960s by both scientists and officials in an appointed Commission of Immigration (Wickström, 2015). Concurrent with (especially Finnish-speaking) activists’ persistent push for extensive and explicit rights for migrants in order to preserve their cultural and linguistic identity, 1975 saw the introduction of the ‘immigrant and minorities policy’ (Borevi, 2014; Salö, 2018).…”