The Integration of Russian-Speaking Immigrants to Finland: A Social Psychological Perspective

Abstract

Russian-speakers represent the oldest and biggest immigrant group in Finland, with the majority of them having migrated to the country after the collapse of the Soviet Union in early 1990s. This chapter gives an overview of their integration with a focus on social psychological studies. Integration is a multifaceted phenomenon which includes immigrants' acquisition of new socio-cultural skills, forming of new social relationships, and psychological adjustment. When looking at integration from these perspectives, Russian-speaking immigrants have adjusted quite well. They form and cherish ties to both Finnish society and Russian culture, and have a positive outlook on their future in Finland. However, there are challenges too: Russian-speakers often face mistrust and discrimination in the labor market and other spheres of life. The studies reviewed here show that engaging in positive intergroup contact with majority Finns is crucial for the integration of Russian-speakers, as it promotes their adaptation and fuels positive attitudes towards the Finnish majority and other immigrant groups living in the country. In line with recommendations given by minority rights experts and international organizations, we conclude that the integration efforts of this significant and rapidly growing immigrant group should be met with a more efficient and holistic integration program.

What Enables Skilled Immigrant Women to Build Career-important Social Networks?

“…Yet, seen from the viewpoint of socio-economic integration, the immigrants with Russian background have adjusted quite well. They are the most highly educated group of all immigrants in Finland, and their level of employment is reaching that of the Finnish majority (Renvik et al, 2020). However, as pointed out by Renvik and colleagues (ibid.…”

Language, networks, and virtual transnationalism: The case of Russian speakers from Estonia living in Finland

“…Such an unfavourable situation affects social interactions between the Russian speakers and local Finns. Renvik et al (2020) claim that the Russian-speaking people and the Ingrian-Finnish returnees' attempts to establish social contacts with Finns may be met with suspicion if not rejection. Sotkasiira (2018) and Haikkola (2011) state that many Russian speakers do not always try to gain acceptance or assimilate into the Finnish community.…”

“…Haikkola (2011, 158) highlights that Russian immigrants have a complicated status in Finnish society: “Finns prefer Scandinavians and white Americans and are more favorable towards the Polish and Estonians compared to Russians and Somalis.” Such an unfavourable situation affects social interactions between the Russian speakers and local Finns. Renvik et al (2020) claim that the Russian‐speaking people and the Ingrian‐Finnish returnees’ attempts to establish social contacts with Finns may be met with suspicion if not rejection. Sotkasiira (2018) and Haikkola (2011) state that many Russian speakers do not always try to gain acceptance or assimilate into the Finnish community.…”