INSIDE THE KEBAB SHOP & OUTSIDE OF SOCIETY TURKISH IMMIGRANTS WORKING IN FAST FOOD SECTOR IN SWEDEN AND THEIR INTEGRATION

Abstract

International immigration has always been a constant in human history; however, it concerns and affects the contemporary societies more than ever and it will likely continue doing so. Most of the Western European countries are concerned about new flows and they seem to be struggling with the integration issues. Sweden is one those countries, where ethnic diversity is very high. Accordingly, Turkish immigrants are one of the largest immigrant groups in Sweden. There are recently a great number of Turkish immigrants working in the fast food sector in Sweden. The aim of this study is to describe and analyze the social mechanisms, particularly social networks, surrounding Turkish immigrants working in the fast food sector and how they affect their integration process. The social mechanisms, particularly social networks, surrounding immigrant groups have important and leading effects on their immigration, settlement and integration process. The findings reveal that most of the respondents moved to Sweden through family reunification and social networks played a crucial role in their immigration and settlement process. These networks are still important factors in their lives and they are mostly depending on them. This dependency undermines the integration process. On the other hand, poor working conditions, such as working long hours, no insurance, black money etc, are affecting their lives and the integration process as well. They are exploited and their fundamental human and working rights are violated. Unauthorized and black money businesses exist in this fast food sector. For example, cheating on the taxes is a common phenomenon. Moreover, this sector is based on ethnic and gender segmentation. Besides, these people are partly marginalized and socially excluded. The respondents identify their selves as “ethnic minorities”. Integration is perceived as an assimilation process and betrayal to their ethnicities. The picture poses tree questions marks; Are the Swedish authorities unaware of the situation? Is there ignorance under the claim of multiculturalism? Or do these two factors work in combination?