Practices of inclusion and exclusion of foreigners in the Icelandic Western Fjords

by Ólöf Júlíusdóttir

Foreigners are expected to take part in social events, although many of them have the feeling of being unwelcome. The research shows that it is less likely that foreigners or immigrants are included in social issues where responsibility is required. It remains unclear why this is the case and there may be a number of reasons. It may be due to their lack of language skills or interest, as they may not intend to stay long. Alternatively, their social network within the villages may be weak and so make them unlikely to be appointed. A possible cause may be the low level of social capital at the immigrants' disposal. This chapter describes the integration of Icelanders and immigrants in villages of Iceland's Western Fjords from the perspective of observed practices of inclusion into and exclusion from the community.

Download full text (.pdf) - Chapter 12 -Practices of inclusion and exclusion of foreigners in the Icelandic Western Fjords