The Participation of Immigrants in Outside Home Activities in Finland S-i*rpa Salin, Pirja Fagerlund, Hannele Palukka & Hannele Laaksonen

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe the views of immigrants on outside home activities and the support they have received. The data were collected via semi- structured questionnaires (n=113) during 2019 and analysed using statistical methods. The open questions were subjected to thematic analysis. The respondents’ mean age was 41 and they came from 29 countries. Fifty-seven percent of the respondents participated actively in an association or group. Participation had a positive correlation with their ability to speak and understand Finnish. A principal component analysis performed on the causes hindering participation produced seven factors, which explain 70% of the phenomena. The greatest causes were: 1) cultural rules, 2) fears and lack of skills, 3) lack of a computer and computer skills, 4) lack of time, 5) the costliness, 6) food and customs culture and 7) lack of a car. Causes supporting participation produced two factors: 1) Finnish friends, neighbours, authorities, other immigrants and study and work friends and 2) one’s own parents and family. This study reinforces earlier results about the advantages of participating in activities in learning the language and integrating into the culture and the environment of the new country. Keywords: asylum seekers, integration, immigrants, outside home activities, third sector