”där var jag ett barn, nu känner jag mig som en man” - En kvalitativ studie om ensamkommande barns sociala situation och identitetsutveckling

Abstract

The purpose of our research was to explore the social situation of unaccompanied children. We also aimed to reveal the relation between their social situation and their identity development. The overall purpose were to describe their social situation, the value of significant others, how different languages influence their identity development and finally how their origin affects their future dreams.

In order to achieve the best result in our research a qualitative method was used. This was based on qualitative interviews and was disposed around a very loose set of questions in order to let the interviewees lead the way. The analysis of the result was conducted on the basis of a set of theories and concepts in order to understand the identity development. The study has shown that their identity development is bound to their origin, language proficiency and relationships to significant others. They all misses their native countries but now they identify themselves with Sweden and they don’t plan to return back home. As they where forced to leave their native country they also had to replace their significant others. These persons turned out to be of various kinds such as new friends, teachers or foster parents. The greatest challenge has been language barriers; it has been very difficult for them to express themselves. They still identify themselves with their mother-tongue but they are at the same very eager to learn Swedish. They are overall motivated to build up a successful future here in Sweden and to become independent.