Bridges and barriers in intercultural relationships : exploring the encounters of ethnic Norwegians from two charismatic churches in Oslo with immigrants

Abstract

Norway as a host society in Scandinavia has experienced an unprecedented growth of immigrants in the last few years. This dramatic change accompanies various challenges that involve both the host nationals and immigrants as they encounter each other in daily life. This study focuses on the perspectives of ethnic Norwegians on how they relate and interact with new members of society, as they meet them in their daily lives. The study discusses three major perspectives that shed some light on the attitudes, perceptions and concrete steps that certain host nationals have undertaken in relation to immigrants which show the impact that their values and perspectives have on their relationships. The different perspectives signify both the barriers and bridges in the intercultural relationships.