Integration Outcomes of Second-Generation Migrants in Sweden: A Multidimensional Inquiry

Abstract

Second-generation migrants, or individuals with two foreign-born parents, are becoming a growing share of the adult population and are contributing to its increasing diversity across Europe. This study contributes to the literature by analysing integration across three life domains–socioeconomic, social and spatial integration–among six region-of-origin groups. Using rich Swedish register data, we compare 10,450 second-generation migrants, who were aged 30-40 in 2015, to individuals born in Sweden with two Swedish-born parents. We also account for differences in parents’ socioeconomic status and residential background. Our analyses reveal considerable differences in social and spatial integration in relation to the Swedish majority group and across origin groups. In comparison, differences in the level of socioeconomic integration are small once we account for parents’ characteristics and residential background. In particular, second-generation migrants from ex-Yugoslavia, Turkey and the Middle East have high levels of socioeconomic integration but relatively low levels of social and spatial integration. Heterogeneity is also present within integration domains. While second-generation Turks have a high likelihood of living in a vulnerable neighbourhood, they also have high propensities of homeownership. Our findings highlight the importance of taking a multidimensional approach when studying the integration outcomes of second-generation migrants.