The Role of Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) Program in Enhancing Social Sustainability Among Immigrant Populations in Sweden (2015–2020): A Quantitative Study of Linguistic, Economic, and Social Integration Outcomes
2025 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 10 credits / 15 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
This thesis examines how the Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) program has contributed to social sustainability among immigrant populations in Sweden between 2015 and 2020. The central aim is to assess whether participation in SFI supports better access to the labour market, improved language proficiency, and greater social integration. The study also explores the challenges immigrants face in completing the program and in applying their language skills in both social and professional contexts.
A quantitative research approach was used, drawing on descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and cross-tabulations based on secondary data from Statistics Sweden (SCB), the Swedish National Agency for Education, and OECD reports. The findings indicate a significant link between completing the SFI program and better employment outcomes, with program completion associated with greater access to jobs and continued education. The results also highlight the importance of immigrants' pre-migration educational backgrounds in shaping their language learning outcomes within SFI.
However, the study also uncovers ongoing disparities tied to gender, regional variations in program delivery, and literacy levels. Dropout rates remain high, and structural barriers continue to hinder equal opportunities for all participants. These issues point to the limitations of a one-size-fits-all model within the broader Nordic welfare framework and suggest a need for more tailored and locally adapted integration policies.
By offering a detailed, data-driven evaluation of SFI's role in fostering social sustainability, this thesis adds to the existing body of research and outlines key areas for future policy development and academic inquiry.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2025. , p. 51
Keywords [en]
Employment, Integration, Language, Acquisition, Social Sustainability, Swedish for Immigrants.
National Category
Sociology
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hh:diva-56405OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hh-56405DiVA, id: diva2:1969426
Subject / course
Health and lifestyle
Educational program
Master's Programme in Nordic Welfare, 60 credits
Supervisors
Examiners
2025-06-162025-06-152025-10-01Bibliographically approved