Kuka on ruotsinsuomalainen? Vähemmistön nimitys ja toisen polven kulttuurinen moninaisuus

This article examines research studies on Sweden-Finnishness. It focuses on the different ways in which the term ruotsinsuomalainen (‘Sweden-Finn’) is defined and how the concept of Sweden-Finnishness is pondered upon from the perspective of researchers as well as the perspective of the second generation who grew up in Sweden with a Finnish background. The use of the term has given researchers a subject to contemplate. The term ruotsinsuomalainen is relatively new, and its interpretation and meaning varies, depending on the viewpoint. The Sweden-Finnish minority is heterogeneous, so there is no clear-cut way to draw boundaries in terms of who to include in the group. Changes in Swedish society as well as the changing times have affected Sweden-Finnishness and the use of the term ruotsinsuomalainen and led to its becoming established. Conventionalised stories from the time of the great migration wave on the older generation still exist, but at the same time, new migrants bring more recent Finnishness to Sweden.

Furthermore, this article brings up other meanings that relate to the concept of ruotsinsuomalainen in addition to language and family background, such as multiculturalism and living and movement between different cultures.

Experiences of growing up in a family with a Finnish background in Sweden have similarities to findings involving international research on the theories of Third Culture Kids and Cross-Cultural Kids (see e.g. Pollock & Van Reken 1999, 2001; Van Reken 2011).

Sweden-Finnishness involves ambivalence. The second generation who grew up in Sweden with a Finnish background often ponder and process their identity. Studies have also dealt with Sweden-Finns’ resemblance to ethnic Swedes, a factor which has both its advantages and disadvantages. It also raises the question, whether those with Finnish roots in Sweden are regarded as foreigners or people with a foreign background. Even researchers have needed to consider what terms or expressions are suitable to use about their informants.