Swedishness as an Obstacle in Cross-Cultural Interaction.

Abstract

For a long time now, discussions about immigrants' difficulties in adapting to Swedish life have centered around the immigrants' cultures. Their customs and values make it difficult for them to fit into a Swedish environment. It is at least as important, however, to discuss the Swedish (host country's) culture. This paper presents various characteristics of the Swedish culture - customs, values, attitudes, etc. - difficult for non-Swedes to understand and accept. This paper, which is part of a larger research project on the Swedish mentality, was written for a governmental committee investigating discrimination against immigrants in Sweden.