Social integration of Nepalese women into Norwegian society : integration as an opportunity or challenge

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to study social integration process of Nepalese immigrant women in light of the Norwegian government’s integration policies. The dissertation is based upon semi-structured interviews with twenty Nepalese immigrant women living in Oslo, Ås, Ski and Tromsø. I explore how Nepalese women understand integration and their experiences in education, work, and social environments. Whether or not Nepalese women want to integrate and how they attempt to balance a sustained Nepalese identity with a New Norwegian one is analyzed.

The research examines the content and contestations over what ‘integration’ means. In addition, the concept of social inclusion might be an alternative way to discuss how immigrant women fare in the Norwegian context. The research has found that Nepalese women’s social inclusion varies greatly but a professional background combined with Norwegian language fluency seems to lead to higher levels of inclusion. In addition, out of 20 informants, 19 women’s experiences in the health and education sector in this context have been appreciated. Where Nepalese women feel that they have not been included has mainly been in the work sector.

This paper concludes by affirming the need of promotion of social inclusion of immigrants in Norwegian society.