Identity and belonging among second-generation somalian migrants in Rogaland

Abstract

The primary objective of the study was to find out the feeling of identity and sense of belonging that second-generation Somalians who live in Rogaland, Norway, experience. How do second-generation Somalians in Rogaland perceive their feeling of identity and belonging? is the key inquiry that leads the present study. Three significant municipalities in Rogaland County were deliberately selected as the areas to accomplish this. A total of eight in-depth interviews were carried out with second-generation Somali migrants, using a qualitative approach. The use of snowball sampling enabled it to be easier to attract four participants from the initial group of eight, whereas deliberate selection was utilized to purposefully select individuals in line with the project's objectives. Furthermore, all the study findings have been analyzed and presented applying a thematic approach. The findings reveal that most of the interview participants from second-generation Somali migrants’ struggle with an identity during their formative years as they attempt to cope with their Somali heritage with their upbringing in Norway. For some, societal challenges push them towards identifying primarily as Somali, while others, facing fewer/no obstacles, comfortably embrace a dual cultural identity. The navigation and negotiation of dual cultural identity is a tricky step that depends on the individuals' sense of belonging and surroundings. Family plays a vital role with Somalian food, culture, and religion, in influencing their sense of identity. The Somali community, with its focal point often being the mosque, plays a crucial role in reinforcing Somali identity among youth in Rogaland. Despite being immersed in Norwegian society from birth, many incorporate Norwegian customs into their identity, often finding comfort in identifying as Somali later in life. This dual identity often entails adopting the best aspects of both cultures, though some Norwegian cultural practices may clash with religious beliefs, posing a barrier to full integration into Norwegian society.