AFRICAN IMMIGRANTS IN SWEDEN - HOW DO THEY MAKE SENSE OF THEIR EMPLOYABILITY?

Abstract

Introduction: This research captures the perspectives of a group of African immigrant’s in the blue-collar sector of the Swedish labour market, regarding how they make sense of their employability. Objectives: The objective of this study is to unravel how the respondents anticipated, experienced and adjusted to the realities of the dynamic Swedish labour market, by uncovering how they negotiate their ways (considering the numerous barriers and difficulties they encounter) at different situations and junctures in order to access the labour market. Methods: The study is conducted using qualitative research approach, from stories of individuals obtained through in-depth interviews.

Theories: This study uses the sensemaking concept to unravel how the individuals in the study make sense of their experiences in the blue-collar sector of the Swedish labour market

Findings: Findings reveal that the group of African immigrants in this study makes sense of their employability through belief and action. The respondents’ belief in the stories of abundance of job opportunities and social support, gave rise to lofty expectations that resulted in goal setting (the making of self-fulfilling prophesies), which required various actions in order to fulfil their goals of surviving and adjusting to their new environment.