Gruppdynamik och Skam - En Sociologisk analys av ensamkommande flyktingbarns interaktioner på HVB-hem

Abstract

In recent years there has been a persistent discussion in the media about the group “unaccompanied refugees”, especially regarding the problems occurring in their place of living, the residential care homes, also known as HVB homes. This report suggests that the descriptions about the group have not been addressed in a nuanced manner as several articles in the media refer to them as a unified group with problems. In addition, the previous research reflects upon the problems in the HVB homes but has not yet, in a detailed manner, examined the interactions within them. This study explores the situation of the unaccompanied refugees in three HVB homes in Gothenburg, Sweden. It takes aim on studying the unaccompanied refugees’ interactions between themselves and the staff. The purpose is to seek a greater understanding of the group in contrast to the view of the media. The empirical data was collected by interviews with the staff as well as observations conducted by the author in the HVB homes. The study yielded a lot of interesting results. It showed that the most recurrent interactions amongst unaccompanied refugees in HVB were characterized by more group cohesion rather than problems. Problems did occur, but not to the extent of the media experience. The most common “problems” were feelings of shame in the interaction. The shame became apparent in the interaction when a party in the interaction felt unsuccessful or unfair in relation to the counterparty. Shame was mostly visible in interactions with the staff. The positive interactions on the other hand, which surpassed the negative, were the group solidarity between the unaccompanied refugees. They helped each other in difficult situations because they could relate to each other, mutual respect defined their interactions.