From Exclusion to Inclusion:
the Pakistani Community in
Norway
Political Demography: Ethnic, National and
Religious Dimensions
September 29-30, 2006 at the London School of
Economics
Anwar Muhammad
Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) Student
Gender and Development Studies
University of Bergen, Bergen Norway
Tel: 0047 – 41506238, 0047 5527 6504
e-mail: man046@student.uib.no, mohanwar1@yahoo.com
Research Questions
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Is rapidly growing population of second
generation Pakistani’s in Norway making any
major progress in integration?
Are there any difference in adjustment and
integration into Norwegian society by Pakistani’s
who migrated to Norway and the one’s who
born in Norway?
Methodology at a Glance
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Qualitative
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Geographical Focus
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Literature review, expert interviews, in-depth
interviews (20), FGDs (3), case studies & best
practices.
Oslo & Bergen (first & second biggest city)
Concerned Population

University of Oslo/Bergen, University Collage
Oslo/Bergen
Introduction
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Norway's population –
4.6 million;
Immigrants 8 percent of
total population – from
200 countries;
Pakistani’s biggest
immigrant community;
and
Majority based in Oslo.
The first Pakistani group
of ten men arrived in
Oslo in 1967.
Situation Analysis
Chain labour Migration to Norway 1960’s
– 70’s;
 Social Interaction Process - financial;
 Class System in Community – rural urban;
 Demographic Increase in Population; and
 Continuation of Practices of Pakistani
Cultural Values in Norway – Problematic
domain
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Theoretical Context
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‘In-between-two Cultures’ – Problematic Aspect
‘Cultural Hybridity’ – Positive Aspect
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According to Sernhede, Andersson (et. Al 2005) the ‘cultural
hybridity’ approach tends to focus on the positive and
emancipatory aspects that exist in the migrants youth status,
the other approach focuses on the negative aspects on selfidentity, of being forced to be ‘in-between-two-cultures’.
Negotiation of Identity
Integrated Plural Identity
Social & Cultural Norms and Values by
Pakistanis
Pak – Good Pak - Bad
Respect
Caring
Joint family
Honest/hard
working
Nor - Good Nor - Bad
Control system Individual
freedom/indep
endence
Gender
Welfare system
discrimination
Image of Islam
Self-centred
Lack of family
system
Alcoholism &
Youthness
Second generation’s dilemma –
conversation with a girl (23), in Oslo
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Norway born Pakistanis suffer a crisis of identity. It is our
parents who came to Norway under the ‘spell’ of economic
migration but couldn’t completely integrate with the local
population. Because they were desperate to maintain
traditions they were brought up in and comfortable with,
they created their own community within the wider
community so as to establish a desi (local/traditional
Pakistani) atmosphere where they and their families could
feel comfortable. And so begins the problem. The second
generation is torn between the two almost completely
different ways of life. The dilemma occurs when these
youngsters have to decide what they identify with –– are
they supposed to feel Pakistani or Norwegian?
……… Freedom of expression has it’s own worth and we
(youth) are utilizing positively in different fields in Norway.
Parents have to change their mind set regarding integration
and adjustment in Norwegian society and they are
Parents Views – Integration and Identity
in Norway - Oslo
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In complete contrast to the youth, the elders argued
that traditions are marred because the youth are in
disarray and have lost understanding and respect for the
values and traditions that have been the backbone of
society for so long. According to parents the blame is
primarily attributed to the Norwegian syndrome, and
exposure to the western media.
Much to the elders’ dismay these youngsters wander
aimlessly, indulge in trivial pursuits, drive fast cars, listen
to rap music, mimic Hollywood actors and care only
about their ‘bling’ image and ‘street cred’. When they
speak, they proudly use a mixture of slang and pure
nonsense - none of which is comprehended by the
elders.
Demographic Dimension
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Increasing number of second generation;
Impact on society;
Educational participation
 Labour force participation
 Engagement in organized crime
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Religious Dimension
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Islam – teaching vs. practice;
Second generation – image of Islam;
Cartoon’s discourse – role of Norwegian
Pakistani’s
What to do? Where to go?
9/11, Media reporting & Society stereo-type???
Way Forward
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With the passage of time Pakistani community has well
integrated with Norwegian society, particularly youths.
Media’s perception, reporting and political discussion
can play a major role for their further social inclusion in
the society.
Highlighting positive aspects of the community can
bring more fundamental results in the integration
process in Norway.
More research work by outsiders (not Norwegian but
either Pakistani or of other nationals) will enrich the
research results and findings.
Old-fashioned sociological researches should be
replaced with new inclusive approaches of integration,
migration and identity work in order to maximum
utilizing migrants potential for the country.
Questions & Answers
Thanks