Horizons of Security: The Somali Safety Net in Scandinavia

Horizons of Security explores how the Somalis in Scandinavia are experiencing changes in their thinking and expectations about the safety net, often embracing elements of both welfare systems, but not all integration measures are conducive to alleviating their security issues. This can cause considerable degrees of insecurity and long-term social vulnerability. The book offers insight into integration and the organization of welfare to be applied in comparative perspectives to other diasporas and world areas.

Format: Hardback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 20 August 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

In the vibrant tapestry of contemporary Scandinavian welfare states, where comprehensive safety nets are celebrated worldwide, the issues of welfare access and 'deservedness' have taken center stage in political discourse. Amidst this backdrop, the Somalis often find themselves singled out in discussions about immigration and integration policies, often portrayed as the 'least integrated group' or even a 'burden for public finances.' Against this challenging backdrop, Horizons of Security emerges as a groundbreaking exploration, offering a unique perspective on historical patterns of integration among the Somalis in Scandinavia.

Drawing upon qualitative interviews with the vibrant Somali diaspora, this book delves into the profound shifts in the way Somalis perceive and shape their expectations about the safety net. It reveals a fascinating interplay between elements of both welfare systems, as the Somalis navigate a complex landscape of opportunities and challenges. However, it is important to note that not all the integration measures implemented by Scandinavian states are conducive to addressing the security concerns of the Somalis, particularly in the immediate aftermath of their resettlement. This dynamic creates a complex web of insecurity and social vulnerability that spans across generations.

Horizons of Security provides valuable insights into integration and welfare organization, offering a comparative framework that can be applied to other diasporas and global contexts. It sheds light on the complexities of navigating diverse systems and the importance of tailored approaches to ensure the well-being and security of marginalized communities. By examining the experiences of the Somalis in Scandinavia, this book contributes to our understanding of the dynamics of integration, social policy, and the pursuit of a just and inclusive society.

Weight: 208g
Dimension: 228 x 162 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538157640