Abstract Book of the 2nd International Social Sciences Conference
Year: 2025
[PDF]
Adaptation and Integration in a New Society: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Migration Experience of Participants of Syrian Immigrants Settled in Sweden
Rawan Samman
ABSTRACT:
This qualitative study utilizes semi-structured interviews to investigate the lived experiences of several Syrian immigrants in Sweden who have successfully settled and acquired Swedish citizenship. The data were examined through the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach, focusing on individuals’ perceptions of their migration and integration experiences and evaluating the significance they ascribe to various aspects of this experience. The study focuses on the emotions and subjective impressions related to the integration process, along with the benefits and challenges that this experience entails at multiple levels. The findings indicated that Sweden’s integration policies are essential and authentic in supporting and facilitating the integration process of Syrian migrants into Swedish society. They also revealed the influence of various legal, physical, financial, and social issues in determining their experiences and interpretations of stability. The findings revealed that these experiences, while predominantly characterized as successful, are fraught with complexity and problems that have influenced the participants’ sense of belonging and contentment, contributing to a complex image of migration and new life in the host society. The findings of this study offer authentic insights from the migrants’ perspective, providing a knowledge foundation that allows policymakers and practitioners in migration and resettlement to formulate strategies that support and facilitate the successful integration processes of Syrian migrants in Sweden.
Keywords: belonging, challenges, perceived advantages, policies, resettlement