Diversity Barometer: Attitude changes in Sweden

What is it about?

The purpose of this article is to elucidate and discuss results of the Diversity Barometer (Mångfaldsbarometern) 2016 and compare these result with the result obtaind from the ten years of the longitudinal study Diversity Barometers 2005-2014, and to demonstrate whether and how Swedish people’s experiences of and attitudes toward people with foreign background and ethnic diversity have changed. A random sample of the Swedish population took part in the annual study, which was carried out in form of a nationwide postal survey. The results show that negative attitudes towards ethnic and cultural diversity in general, and migrant population in particular, have to some extent and in respect to certain issues increased. Views on diversity in relation to culture and religion- specially Islam- were more negative than views on diversity in relation to work. Those who have larger experience of contact with foreigners show a more positive attitude towards diversity compared with those with limited experience and contact. Individuals who have higher education, those who identify themselves as females, younger persons and those living in large cities are more positive than other groups. In our analysis of the empirical data, we proceed, from a social work perspective and applied contact theory and group conflic theories relating attitudes to group position.

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Why is it important?

In this article we will mainly focus on an issue which is important from a social work perspective; interaction of the Swedish inhabitants with people with foreign background, especially Muslims; an issue which brings to the forth the problem of inclusion and exclusion.

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