| Summary: | Through qualitative semi-structured interviews this study deals with some key questions related to the issue of integration based on the experiences of five Southeast Asian women residing in the Faroe Islands. The motivation behind the study is the apparent lack of awareness and interest among indigenous Faroese and politicians concerning immigrants and the almost complete absence of research on this issue despite relatively large increases in immigration in the past decade. It is assumed that the Faroese authorities will, in the next few years, experience challenges in light of a population increasingly marked by differentiated values, norms and traditions. Thus, the aim is to provide knowledge and encourage debate and awareness about issues of immigrants and integration in the Faroe Islands. The empirical analysis was based on the theoretical concepts of social integration, cultural and social capital, and recognition. These concepts are assumed to be related, since they may influence each other in a circular fashion: integration of people may be determined by their recognition in society, and this recognition may be determined by their appropriation of social and cultural resources (capital) and vice versa. The results of the study reveal that the interviewees, despite having positive attitudes towards Faroese society, sometimes sense a lack of recognition related to social situations, rights and information, and the job market. This lack of recognition is, according to the interviewees, due to the lack of certain types of cultural and social resources. Of these, proficiency in the Faroese language and general information about the Faroe Islands are underlined as key resources for recognition and thereby successful integration into Faroese society.
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