World Values Survey urges reform of Swedish integration programs

Bi Puranen, a research leader at the World Values Survey (WVS), argues that Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) language studies must be combined with concrete social orientation to improve integration. This recommendation follows a government-commissioned study by the WVS investigating values and social norms in Sweden, specifically focusing on foreign-born residents.

The study highlights that time spent in the country does not automatically lead to integration. Findings show that one in five migrants who have lived in Sweden for over 20 years has never held paid employment, a figure that rises to nearly one in three in vulnerable areas.

Puranen suggests that SFI should include instruction on topics such as the labor market, gender equality, children's rights, religious freedom, and legal status. The research findings are scheduled to be presented to Education and Integration Minister Simona Mohamsson.