Beyond employment: Örjan Sjöberg explores what it means to be part of society

Employment is often seen as a key to successful integration. Having a job provides financial independence, creates social connections, and offers a way into Swedish society. But does employment necessarily lead to a sense of belonging?

These questions were at the center of Från bidrag till jobb – och sen då? (From benefits to employment – and then what?), a seminar led by Örjan Sjöberg, Professor of Economic Geography at the Stockholm School of Economics and researcher affiliated with the Center for Migration and Integration Research (CMIR).

The seminar was held twice during Arbetsmarknadsdagarna, organized by the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKR), bringing together professionals working with employment and integration across Swedish municipalities.

From integration to participation 

Rather than delivering a traditional lecture, Sjöberg invited participants to reflect on their experiences and discuss what integration means in practice.

A central theme was the distinction between integration and delaktighet, or participation and inclusion in society.

While integration is often defined through measurable outcomes such as employment, education, and language proficiency, participation involves something more difficult to capture: feeling that one belongs, having opportunities to influence one's surroundings, and being recognized as a member of society.

The discussions highlighted participation as a two-way process. It depends not only on an individual's willingness to engage but also on the opportunities and acceptance offered by the wider community.

The importance of social connections

Drawing on research on integration and social capital, Sjöberg explored how relationships shape people's opportunities to establish themselves in a new society.

These include close relationships with family and friends, broader connections with neighbors and colleagues, and links to public institutions. Such relationships can provide access to information, support, and opportunities beyond the workplace.

Participants shared examples of municipal initiatives designed to strengthen these connections, including mentoring programs, group activities, and cooperation with civil society organizations.

The discussions also raised questions about the limits of municipal responsibilities. While employment and education are central to municipalities' formal assignments, fostering broader participation may require cooperation across administrative boundaries and with actors outside the public sector.

When employment does not guarantee belonging

Another theme was the integration paradox, a concept used in research to describe how people who appear relatively well integrated, including those with higher education and established positions in the labor market, may nevertheless report experiences of discrimination and exclusion.

Sjöberg discussed how such experiences, alongside professional ambitions and opportunities elsewhere, can influence decisions to leave Sweden. This raises questions not only about individual well-being and belonging but also about the ability of municipalities and employers to retain skills and talent.

The seminars also addressed the tension between long-term integration goals and temporary residence permits. Participants reflected on the difficulties of encouraging people to establish lasting connections with a society when their future right to remain may be uncertain.

Looking beyond the first job

Despite these challenges, the discussions highlighted opportunities for municipalities to work more broadly with integration.

Participants described how local initiatives, cooperation between services, and partnerships with civil society can create opportunities for meaningful participation, even within existing resource constraints.

For Sjöberg, the conversations underscored the importance of looking beyond employment as the ultimate goal of integration. Finding a job may be an essential first step, but lasting inclusion also depends on opportunities to build relationships, contribute to communities, and feel a sense of belonging.

The seminars brought together academic perspectives and the practical experiences of municipal professionals, encouraging reflection on what comes after the transition from benefits to employment.