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Young Somalis’ social identity in Sweden and Britain. The interplay of group dynamics, socio-political environments, and transnational ties in social identification processes

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posted on 2023-06-09, 13:21 authored by Sarah ScuzzarelloSarah Scuzzarello, Benny Carlson
In this article, we aim to contribute to the literature on social identification among migrants and minorities by offering a theoretical framework that accounts for the interplay of socio-psychological factors, local and transnational group dynamics, and the socio-political environment in which migrants live. This approach enables us to analyse not only the political significance of identity, but also the psychology of identity formation. Drawing upon qualitative data, we analyse how young Somalis (N: 43) living in the municipalities of Malmö (Sweden) and Ealing (United Kingdom) construct and negotiate their ethnic social identities in relation to: Somali elders living in the same city; Somalis in Somalia and in the diaspora; and the British/Swedish majority society. We show that, to secure a positive self-identity vis-à-vis these referent groups, young Somalis engage in psychological strategies of separation; social competition; and social creativity. The socio-political environment in which they are embedded influences which strategy they adopt.

Funding

How migrants identify with their societies of settlement: a comparison of migrant communities in Malmo and Ealing (London); Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsradet); VR2011-1166

Somalis in European Cities; Open Society Foundation

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Migration Studies

ISSN

2049-5838

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Department affiliated with

  • International Development Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • Sussex Centre for Migration Research Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2018-05-17

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2020-06-20

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-05-16

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