Made in Swedish: diasporisation and lifestyle orientation among Swedish migrant networks in Southern Spain

Abstract

ABSTRACT The article demonstrates how large social associations are operating at the locus of a community-making related to the networks of Swedish migrants in Southern Spain. The associations are selectively targeting relatively wealthy older (ethnic) Swedish individuals, offering them a home-like social arena with access to a club equipped with well-known facilities and activities from the Swedish tradition. In addition, these associations offers valuable information and services that ensure their members a comfortable lifestyle in Spain but also facilitates a life with close connection to the Swedish society. In this social space, the Swedish migrants meet, socialise and to some extent, consume, rather than making efforts to participate and becoming integrated in Spanish society. It is also obvious how this environment becomes a hub for maintaining links and societal life with the Swedish society. The article argues that the practices used by the social associations in their mobilisation, are becoming part of a ‘diasporisation’ of Swedes in Southern Spain. It is also argued that these practices are both reflecting assumed needs and requests from the individuals in the migrant networks as well as orientating them into a lifestyle that promotes comfort and transnational links with their country of origin.