Adult Immigrant Men and Integration : A Qualitative Study of Interventions in Social Work

This qualitative study explores how social workers experience and deal with issues related to the integration of adult male immigrants in Sweden. Through semi-structured interviews with seven professionals active in integration and establishment units, the study identifies three overarching themes: the dual role of language as both a key and a barrier, the psychosocial consequences of losing the traditional breadwinner role, and the structural challenges that hinder effective integration efforts. Using critical theory as an analytical lens, the study highlights how social workers navigate a system that often lacks tailored interventions for this target group. Findings show that despite the motivation and competencies of the men, structural barriers such as language policies, labor market discrimination, and insufficient support measures significantly restrict their opportunities for inclusion. The study contributes to filling a research gap by focusing on the practical experiences and perspectives of social workers, offering valuable insights for future policy and practice.