Ethiopian immigrant women within the framework of the Norwegian integration policy : Their daily experiences, thoughts and opinions of the Norwegian society

Abstract

Norway is a country that has its own integration policy regarding immigrants. By using the qualitative research method, it is the aim of this study to look at the lives of eighteen Ethiopian immigrant women living in Oslo and within the framework of this current integration policy. By analysing their daily-basis life experiences as well as their thoughts and opinions regarding their host country and its ethnic Norwegian majority, the study aims to determine the forms of these women’s integration. The purpose of the study is to find out does such integration policy drive the Ethiopian immigrant women towards integration in form of assimilation or multiculturalism? Do these women have their own methods and views on how they should fit into the Norwegian society? Is it their aim to integrate voluntarily or otherwise? How does the integration policy affect these women psychological integration wise? The study shows that there are many factors in the lives of these women when it comes to the opportunity and possibility for their close and constant interaction with the ethnic Norwegian majority on personal and professional levels. Subsequently, their forms of structural, social, cultural and identificational integration differ individually. In addition, according to the findings the women’s different level of education is of high significance for their mobility and ability to interact within the Norwegian society. Whether the women regard their daily experiences in Norway as positive or negative differ individually, consequently, their views and opinions regarding their host society vary accordingly.