Carl Nordlund
Institute for Analytical Sociology
Linköping University, Sweden

Host: Professor Mikko Kivelä
Time: 14:15 (coffee at 14:00)
Venue: T5, CS building, Konemiehentie 2

The anatomy of integration: mapping the networks of inter-ethnic family formations in Sweden, 1968-2012

Abstract:

Looking at a classical indicator of inter-group integration, this project studies patterns of family
formation within and, particularly, between different immigrant groups in Sweden using register-
based data for the 1968-2012 period. Transcending the native-centrism of previous studies,
emphasizing the importance to also study integration between “non-native” groups, the complete
complex networks of family relations between immigrant groups is examined.

To map the structure, dynamics and would-be underlying mechanisms of the network of inter-group
family formation in Sweden, novel methods for valued blockmodeling will be applied. Among viable
mechanisms to explain patterns of inter-ethnic family formation, it is proposed that partner
preferences between different migrant groups in Sweden at least partly can be explained by
corresponding relations at the international level. Thus, the structure and dynamics of family formation networks in Sweden are compared with various corresponding networks at the
international level: such as geographical proximity, collaboration and conflict, dyadic indices of
cultural similarity, international bilateral migration, etc.