A comprehensive new study titled “Mellan två världar,” presented by Bi Puranen, reveals that while immigrants in Sweden quickly adopt values related to education and jobs, norms regarding sex and marriage change very slowly or not at all. The findings challenge early-2000s political assumptions that learning Swedish and securing employment would automatically align newcomers’ entire value systems with the majority population.
The research, which surveyed over 7,300 individuals from older and newer immigrant countries alongside 127 in-depth interviews, tracks what Puranen defines as selective integration. While public institutions and jobs are easily navigated by migrants, deep-seated social norms acquired early in life remain resistant to change. This dynamic creates stark statistical divides, particularly concerning premarital sex and family structures.
Diverging Views on Premarital Sex and Individualism
According to the study, participants evaluated the acceptability of sex before marriage on a scale from 1 to 10. Among respondents who arrived in Sweden in 2018 or later, the mean score was 3.9. Migrants who have lived in the country since 2010 or earlier reported a higher mean of 7.82, while majorities of native Swedes scored 9.03. These figures illustrate a clear generational and temporal gap in the adoption of Swedish social norms.
Rapport authors attribute these friction points to “familism,” a cultural framework prominent in parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. Unlike Sweden’s pronounced individualism, these cultures rely on the family, relatives, and clans as the primary sources of social and economic security rather than the state. Consequently, decisions like marriage are viewed as matters affecting the broader family’s survival rather than purely individual choices.
During a presentation in southern Sweden, Puranen encountered this viewpoint firsthand when a veiled youth worker explained her role was keeping watch over young people. The worker stated that despite youths’ interest in sex, older community members know best regarding suitable marriage partners. Such accounts demonstrate that holding a job and speaking Swedish do not automatically erase distinct ideological frameworks.
Did You Know? The research project “Mellan två världar” included in-depth interviews with 127 participants who have lived in Sweden for decades, as well as newly arrived individuals currently taking Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) courses.
Expert Insight: As an editor observing these societal shifts, the data underscores a critical reality for policymakers: administrative integration measures operate on a completely different timeline than deep cultural socialization. Acknowledging selective integration is essential for understanding modern social cohesion challenges.
Political Controversy and Changing Integration Expectations
The release of the findings follows intense political friction. Before the study was even conducted, the government’s announcement of an immigrant value survey drew sharp opposition, with the White-Collar Trade Union (TCO) reacting with strong criticism and Centre Party European Parliament member Abir Al-Sahlani calling the premise racist for suggesting immigrants might hold different values than majorities.
These initial reactions highlight how sensitive it remains to discuss differing cultural norms in Sweden. In the early 2000s, political blocks widely assumed that employment and language acquisition would instantly transform newcomers into Swedes. However, “Mellan två världar” indicates that navigating structural systems happens much faster than altering foundational moral perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who conducted the “Mellan två världar” mapping study?
The study was presented by Bi Puranen, research leader and secretary-general for the World Values Survey, along with her research group.
What does the term “selective integration” mean in the report?
It describes how different parts of a person’s value system change at varying speeds, with education and work values adopted quickly while private moral norms change slowly.
What initial criticism did the project face?
The white-collar union TCO reacted with strong criticism, and Centre Party MEP Abir Al-Sahlani argued it was racist to claim immigrants might possess different values than majorities.
How do differing views on family structures impact social integration in Sweden?
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