Finnish-German young adult's bicultural identity and its realization in Finland

Abstract

Since Germany is one of Finland’s biggest trade partners and at the same time Finland is an emigration country for its young adults, i.e. potential employees, it is important to study the Finnish-German young adults and their cultural identity in Finland. In today’s global world also the Finnish society is developing into a culturally diverse direction which is why different cultural groups and their conditions in Finland should be studied widely. This thesis provides one perspective to this broad discussion.

This thesis has three research focuses. First, it was researched how Finnish-German young adults who have lived the majority of their lives in Finland perceive their cultural identity. Second, the Finnish-German bicultural identity of Finnish-German young adults and their cultural negotiation in different cultural frames were studies. Third, it was contemplated how it is for Finnish-German young adults to live in the Finnish society and whether they experience they can realize their cultural identity thoroughly in Finland.

The data gathering was conducted through semi-structured face to face interviews with nine informants. The data was analyzed using a grounded theory method and interpretive approach. The main findings included for instance the regional differences in the services for Finnish-German young people in Finland. Further studies could be delivered on how these services could be improved outside of Helsinki in Finland.