4.2.2022: Immigrant Political Integration in Finland: The Perspectives of Black African Immigrants at the Municipal Level (Ndukwe)

The dissertation of MSocSc Thaddeus Chijioke Ndukwe investigates the political integration of Black African immigrants at the municipal/local level, using in-depth interviews in the cities of Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Jyväskylä, and Tampere where many of them live. The aim is to know whether and to what extent they are involved/engaged politically, not only in the municipal elections, but also in other elections/politics at the local level such as in the labor and student unions as well as other associations. Theoretically, the study draws from the theories of institutional channeling, the developmental model of intercultural sensitivity (DMIS), and that of immigrant identity formation, to analyze findings.
Published
4.2.2022

Findings reveal that their political engagement or lack of it, and the forms it takes mostly depends on the positive or negative attitude of the society towards them, especially when the attitude is continuous. In other words, their being active or passive, regular or irregular, or anywhere in-between, or totally absent, in the political space, in whatever form or platform, at the local level, stems mostly from the way the society relates towards them, in terms of acceptance (in the form of hospitality) or rejection (in the form of racism/discrimination). This especially occurs in the socioeconomic space (i.e., the social life and labor market) from where it serves as a linking and mobilizing body (if positive) to political engagement, or a delinking and demobilizing body (if negative) to it.

This makes the society attitude a very strategic concept in this study and hence changes the focus from immigrant/individual characteristics (which featured more prominently in previous research) to society characteristics/conditions (without however neglecting any relevant immigrant/individual characteristics or factors they may have that could also influence their political participation).

To encourage society’s acceptance of immigrants, especially Black African immigrants, and discourage its rejection of them, a massive nationwide education/orientation should be done. In addition, some concrete efforts to checkmate discrimination (against immigrants) in the labor market (particularly in white-collar jobs) as well as underrepresentation in the political space, are to be made. This could be done by introducing a quota (or reserved) system to be called “The Immigrant Quota Act” into law. In this law, some percentage of job vacancies (in the labor market) or electoral posts (to be vied for/appointed) at the local level (in the political space) should be allocated to immigrants in relation to their population in the national population register as well as their level of marginalization/underrepresentation in the society. If, for example, 6 percent is their percentage in the national population and/or marginalization/underrepresentation, 6 percent of vacancies/electoral positions, should go to them.

MSocSc Thaddeus Chijioke Ndukwe defends her doctoral dissertation in political science 4.2.2022, at 16. Opponent is Professor Sharon D.W. Austin (University of Florida) and Custos is Professor Nathan Lillie (Ģֱ). The event is held in English.

The audience can follow the event online, the link is

If a member of the audience wants to ask questions at the end of the public examination, it is possible to call the Custos. The phone number of the Custos is +358408054633.

The publication:

Further information: Thaddeus Chijioke Ndukwe, tcndukwe@gmail.com