The Experiences of Migrant Mothers in Norway: Challenges and Opportunities Thesis

Introduction

Background

Norway has become one of the most attractive destinations for migrants from different parts of the world. According to Ślusarczyk et al. (2018), positive net migration in Norway plays a significant role in the country’s population growth. The Arab Spring that started in 2010 in North Africa and rapidly spread to the Middle East resulted in massive displacement of people. The more recent war between Russia and Ukraine has also led to the displacement of tens of millions of people from their homes.

In both cases, Norway has always been one of the preferred destinations. Even in countries that are politically stable and have advanced economies like Poland, there are many people who have opted to move to Norway for a wide range of reasons. Haukanes and Pine (2021) argue that soon, positive net migration will be the leading cause of population growth in the country, ahead of births. It has been attracting immigrants from different parts of the world.

A significant number of those who come to Norway are migrant mothers who are interested in starting a new life in this country. Some of them are attracted by the better employment opportunities in this country than what is available in their home country. Others are asylum seekers who are forced out of their home countries because of wars or major natural calamities (Crespi et al., 2018). There are also a considerable number of expatriates posted in local offices by corporate entities. Some came to the country as diplomats but opted to permanently reside in the country even after the expiry of their term in office.

The experience of these migrant mothers varies significantly from that of Norwegian mothers. The country has benefits that are only meant for the locals. For instance, basic education from primary to lower secondary is free for all Norwegians, specifically for those who are unable to pay the fee (Randel et al., 2013). Medicare is also significantly subsidized for the locals. Migrant mothers have to pay the full fee for these critical services.

The experience can be frustrating if one is a single mother who has yet to find a decent job that can enable them to meet all their basic needs. Ślusarczyk et al. (2018) note that the situation can be worse for these mothers because the cost of living in Norway is one of the highest in the world. Despite these challenges, the country also offers unique opportunities, which explains why it has continued to attract migrants from both developed and developing nations. In this paper, the researcher seeks to explore the experience of migrant mothers living in Norway.

Problem Statement

The need for one to move from their country of birth to another country may be motivated by various factors. Lombard (2022) explains that there is always a wrong perception among migrants that once they move to a new country, they will start enjoying the benefits that the local citizens do. When one learns that a country such as Norway is offering free basic education to its citizens, one assumes that as soon as they legalize their stay in that country, they will be entitled to similar benefits.

Others assume that once they leave their country for a foreign nation, they can continue with their current practice. As such, a teacher in India or a Nurse in Argentina may assume that with their academic papers, they will automatically qualify to work in positions they held in their home country. Hiitola (2020) explains that Norway has one of the highest standards of education in the world.

When it comes to professions that offer sensitive services to people, such as medicine and engineering, students go through thorough training in some of the best-equipped universities in the country. The level of skills imparted to these students is so high that they can work in any country around the world. When foreigners from developing countries come to Norway, they are often shocked that they cannot be absorbed in the local job market in the capacities in which they serve in their home countries. They realize that they may have to go through additional training to get relevant qualifications that are acceptable in the country.

The wrong perception may make the experience of these migrants less desirable. A study by Ślusarczyk et al. (2018) shows that the cost of living in Norway is so high that migrants often struggle to fit in, especially at the initial stages. The cost of housing in the country is almost 38% higher than that of the United States, according to the same study. It means that even a migrant from an advanced nation such as the United States or the United Kingdom may struggle when they come to Norway.

For migrant mothers, the problem can be worse, especially if they are single mothers without any support. They have to meet all the basic needs of their children while at the same time offering guidance and protection for their children. As soon as they settle in the country, they realize that what they had expected is not the same as the reality that they face. Some of these parents would be forced to work hard to stay in the country, especially when the situation back home is worse because of civil ways, lawlessness, or a broken socio-economic system. Others would consider traveling back to their home country because of the unique challenges in this country.

Significance of the Study

Having access to the correct information is often critical for migrants moving from one country to the other. Those who are forced out of their country because of war, persecution, and natural calamities may not be left with many options other than to move to a country that can accommodate them. However, an overwhelming majority of migrants in Norway are not asylum seekers (Crespi et al., 2018). They are economic migrants who consider this country as the land of opportunities where they can achieve economic freedom. It means that they willingly leave their current jobs and country to move to Norway. Some of them opt to travel with their children, believing that the country’s socio-economic and political fabric is so organized that they will get the basic needs as soon as they arrive in the country. Others even opt to migrate illegally to this country, not realizing that doing so would be considered a criminal offense that can earn them a jail term before being deported back to their country of origin.

Norway remains one of the most attractive nations for migrants, and it offers a wide range of benefits in healthcare, education, and other Human Development Index (HDI) factors. This means that for a migrant who understands the system and what to expect and then effectively plans for it; the experience can be pleasurable. They will have expectations based on the realities in the country. On the other hand, those who lack the right information and have wrong expectations may have a less desirable experience (Crespi et al., 2018). Some of them may be so frustrated that they may be forced to travel back to their home country after a short stay.

This study is important because it explains what migrant mothers need to expect when they arrive in Norway as migrants. By focusing on the current migrant mothers in this country, the study will shed light on the experience of these mothers. It will determine events that have happened to them from the time they settled in the country to the time of collecting data. They will be in the best position to explain to those expecting to come to the country what they need to know. By explaining some of the mistakes that they made as migrant mothers because of lack of knowledge, they will help future migrants to effectively plan when coming to this country. As such, this document will act as a guide to future migrant mothers in Norway.

Research Aim and Objectives

When conducting research, it is often essential for a researcher to develop a clear research aim that defines what needs to be achieved. Breaking down the aim into specific objectives is equally important. In this study, the primary aim was to investigate the experience of migrant mothers living in Norway. The following are the specific objectives that the researcher seeks to achieve:

• To determine the possibilities available to migrant mothers upon their arrival in Norway.
• To determine the difficulties encountered by migrant mothers upon settling in Norway.
• To determine how the experience of migrant mothers living in Norway can be improved.

Research Questions

Research questions are often essential in a research study because they define the nature of the data that needs to be collected. Machado and Davim (2020) argue that a researcher can easily end up collecting irrelevant data that do not primarily focus on the aim of the study if they fail to develop the right research questions. The following are the research questions that guided the process of data collection in this project:

1. After relocating to Norway, what chances do migrant mothers have there?
2. What difficulties do migrant mothers in Norway encounter upon arriving in the country?
3. What can be done to improve the lives of migrant mothers in Norway?

Structure of the Report

This dissertation has five distinct chapters, each addressing various issues. The first chapter of the paper is the introduction, which has the background of the study, the problem statement, and the significance of the study. The chapter also outlines the aim, objectives, and research question. The second chapter of the document is the literature review. It discusses the experience of migrant mothers in Norway and other developed countries in Europe and North America based on findings made by other scholars. It outlines the opportunities and challenges that these migrants face. The chapter also discusses theories relevant to explaining the issue under investigation.

Chapter 3 of the document explains the method that the researcher used to collect and process data. It discusses the research philosophy used, the research approach, and the strategy. The chapter explains the tools used to gather primary data, the analysis methods, and the factors considered when doing so. It also explains the ethical considerations that had to be observed when conducting the study.

Chapter 4 provides the analysis of primary data and a discussion of findings made from both primary and secondary data. Chapter 5 is a summary of the findings of the study, and it also lists recommendations based on the knowledge developed in the study. A reference list for the sources, an appendix showing the instrument used to collect primary data, and a consent form for the participants are also provided.

Literature Review

The previous chapter has provided background information about the study. In this chapter, the researcher focuses on the review of the relevant literature. The experience that migrants go through in different countries is an issue that has attracted the attention of many scholars over the years. Reviewing the literature helps avoid cases where a researcher duplicates existing knowledge. It enables a researcher to develop background information on the issue being investigated.

The literature review also enables a researcher to identify existing knowledge gaps. The United States has been the most preferred destination for migrants worldwide (Vaughn et al., 2020). However, Europe is also another popular destination, especially during the Arab Spring and following the Russian inversion of Ukraine.

This chapter discusses the life of migrant workers in Norway and their role in this country. It discusses the significance of migrants’ having a close social network in the country. It also discusses the Norwegian system of education, employment, parenting, and sociocultural and political system. The chapter discusses the informational resources necessary for migrant mothers to maneuver through the Norwegian system. The chapter then discusses various theoretical concepts about the topic under investigation.

Life of a Migrant Mother in Norway

Norway is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, which explains why it attracts immigrants from different countries. Recent studies have shown that more than half of Norway’s population growth is attributed to immigration (Herrero-Arias et al., 2021). The statistics show that the rate at which people move to and decide to stay in Norway has been on the rise over the past decade. If the trend continues over the next few decades, a significant population of the country will be migrants or those who trace their origin out of the country. According to Hiitola et al. (2020), Norway has the world’s fourth highest per capita income. With a human development index (HDI) of 0.961, it is considered one of the best countries to live in as of 2021.

The level of unemployment and underemployment is very low, which means that migrants are likely to get employment in this country. Haugaard et al. (2020) explain that factors that attract migrants to a specific country include security and political stability, employment opportunities, availability of amenities such as hospitals and schools, access to various forms of entertainment, and the ease of life for foreigners. Norway scores highly in these categories (Herrero-Arias et al., 2021). Despite the immense opportunities that the country presents to immigrants, it is important to note that they also have to encounter some fundamental challenges. In this section, the focus is to discuss the opportunities and challenges that migrant mothers face in Norway.

Opportunities That Migrant Mothers Have in Norway

Norway is currently one of the most preferred destinations for migrants worldwide. According to Marguerite et al. (2020), the country is attracting migrants from some of the developed nations in Europe, which shows how attractive it is to the international community. During the Arab Spring, it was one of the preferred destinations for migrants from the Middle East. Recently, when Russia invaded Ukraine, many Ukrainians and Russians, especially women and children, moved to this country. It is a confirmation of the fact that the country presents numerous opportunities to its migrants. The following are the opportunities that are presented to the migrants coming to Norway.

Job opportunities are one of the most important factors that attract migrants from different parts of the world. Norway has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world (Brook & Ottemoller, 2020). With an aging population, it is easy for migrants to get stable employment in this country. A significant number of those who are coming to Norway, especially those who are not refugees or asylum seekers, do so because of the job opportunities in the country. With an average salary of USD 3457.69 per month, the country has one of the highest salaries in the world (Anderson, 2022). It means that when one comes to this country, they will not only find it easy to get employment but will also enjoy attractive remuneration.

That average monthly salary is three times that of China and almost four times that of Russia. This is one of the best experiences for migrant mothers living in Norway. They are guaranteed that when they are in the country, they can make a living for themselves and their children. Although they may be thousands of miles away from their home country and their family members, they are certain that they can earn enough to start a new life and provide for their family.

Healthcare is a major concern in many countries around the world. Herrero-Arias et al. (2020b) explain that some parents have children with rare conditions that require regular management. Some countries have broken healthcare systems that cannot offer the medical care that they need. Such problems are common in developing countries in Africa, parts of Asia, and South America (Bendixsen & Danielsen, 2020).

Some children are born with specific chronic conditions that require regular specialized care. Some mothers would consider traveling from their home country to a new country just to ensure that they can take care of the medical needs of their children. They would consider migrating to Norway, knowing that other than the attractive job opportunities in the country, they will also get medical care for their children. Although the United States has superior medical care than Norway, the cost of healthcare is prohibitive, especially for those with chronic conditions (Straiton et al., 2019). A mother may opt to come to this country from a developed nation because of the affordability of Medicare.

Education is another factor that a parent will consider before migrating to a specific country. Straiton et al. (2019) explain that a person who is capable of moving from their country of birth to a foreign country on a non-refugee status knows that their children may also want to move to another country. As such, they will make an effort to ensure that the quality of education is high enough that it will be recognized in any part of the world.

Norway boasts some of the world’s best educational standards. Migrant mothers living in this country are guaranteed that their children will have access to quality education. The cost of education in this country may be high, especially when compared with that of emerging economies around the world (Herrero-Arias, 2020a). However, that cannot be a major concern for parents because the income they make will be equally high. It means that they will be able to afford to pay for the education of their children.

Security is another factor that people often consider before moving from one country to another. Herrero-Arias et al. (2021) argue that insecurity is one of the main reasons that force people to move from one place to another. The Arab Spring that started in North Africa and spread rapidly to the Middle East led to the displacement of almost 3 million people from the affected countries.

The more recent war between Russia and Ukraine has led to the displacement of more than 13 million people from their homes. Over 8 million of them have moved to other European nations and North America (Bhugra et al., 2021). It is an indication that political stability and security are critical factors that define the ability of a people to stay in a given region. Norway has enjoyed prolonged political stability since the Second World War ended. It means that migrant mothers who are living in this country are assured of their security and that of their loved ones. Those who are coming from volatile nations such as parts of Russia, Ukraine, or parts of the Middle East or Africa are assured that they can start a new life in Norway.

The ability of an individual to enjoy fundamental rights and freedom is another benefit that migrant mothers can enjoy while in this country. In some countries, some practices are prohibited, although they are considered acceptable in the West. An example of such practices is homosexuality. In many African countries, such as Uganda, the practice is outlawed. Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) are illegal practices. These practices are also outlawed in almost all the countries in the Middle East and North Africa region as they are considered to be against Islamic teachings (Lenes et al., 2020).

Lesbian mother cannot practice their sexual orientation practices in these countries because they can easily be sent to jail. An individual may consider coming to Norway to enable them to enjoy these fundamental rights. Political persecution and high crime rates may also inhibit the ability of an individual to enjoy their rights. Such migrant mothers are assured that they will not face such problems in Norway.

Challenges That Migrant Mothers Face in Norway

Perhaps one of the most alluring locations for migrants from around the globe is Norway. However, it is important to note that despite the numerous opportunities discussed above, some challenges may make the experience of migrant mothers less pleasant. Before deciding to move to this country, one should understand these challenges and be ready to deal with them. The following are the major challenges that one must be ready to address.

The high cost of living remains a major challenge to newly migrated individuals. In Norway, a loaf of fresh bread (400g) is about USD 2.8, while the same costs about USD 0.75 in South Africa. The same study shows that the average cost of living in Norway is 11.5% higher than that of the United States (Ryndyk et al., 2021). The cost of rent is even higher in Norway, which is considered 38.1% higher than that of the United States.

It is important to note that when one migrates from one country to another, they have to meet their daily expenses. Before one can secure a well-paying job to meet the expenses, one may struggle to meet these expenses. In case the migrant mother had the intention of sending some money back home to help other family members or meet development projects, they may be disappointed because of the high cost of living. They may find that they are spending most of their income on basic needs within the country.

The language barrier is another major challenge that many immigrants in Norway face. Norwegian and Sámi, the most spoken languages in this country, are unique to this region (Ślusarczyk et al., 2018). Even some immigrants from neighboring countries cannot speak these languages fluently. A migrant from Western Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia will find it challenging to communicate with the locals.

English remains the most common and most popular second language in many parts of the world (Crespi et al., 2018). As such, it is normal to find a significant number of locals speaking the English language. However, an immigrant should not expect the locals to prioritize a foreign language over their local language.

The two languages mentioned above are the official languages of this country. This means that at home, in healthcare facilities, and in school, they are the standard modes of communication. The migrant mother may not only struggle to have access to basic needs, but their children will also experience the same challenge. It may take some time for their children to learn and fluently speak the local languages. The alternative would be for the parent to take their children to schools where French or Spanish is the standard language. However, such private schools tend to be relatively more expensive than normal public schools. It is important to note that English is spoken by a majority of the population.

Cultural challenges may be a major concern to migrant mothers living in Norway. According to Bendixsen and Danielsen (2020), over 75% of Norwegians identify themselves as Christians. Another 21% do not identify with any religion but are leaning towards Christian principles. Only 3% consider themselves Muslims, most of whom are immigrants sparsely spread across the country (Crespi et al., 2018).

It means that a migrant mother from Afghanistan who has been a practicing Muslim all her life may find it challenging to adapt to the local culture. For instance, homosexuality and same-sex marriage are not only common in this country but are also considered legal. On the other hand, such practices would earn an individual a death sentence in Afghanistan.

Immigrants may find such practices appalling, and it may take some time for them to understand and embrace them. Similarly, local Christians may not find some of these Muslim practices acceptable. For instance, a Muslim may need to pray at midday while at work. Such a practice is not common among the locals in this country, and some employers may even deny their employees an opportunity to do so while at work.

In Syria and many other Middle East countries, men are considered superior to women. However, men and women have equal rights in Norway and many other European and North American nations. A migrant mother may take some time to embrace a culture that grants them equal rights and responsibilities as men.

Prejudice is another common challenge that some migrants have to encounter when they are in a foreign country. Lombard (2022) argues that there is a prejudice that is often directed at Africans and Muslims. There is a general but misleading perception that Africans are inferior to the locals, primarily because their countries are the least developed and riddled with debt and bad governance (Haukanes & Pine, 2021).

There is also another misleading perception that Africans are more likely to engage in drug abuse, drug smuggling, and other violent crimes. It means that they are more likely to be under the police radar than locals. When a crime is committed, they will be the first suspects, especially if they are migrants. Such levels of prejudice can affect the quality of life that an individual has in a given country.

Muslims from the Middle East and North Africa region are often associated with suicide bombing (Hiitola, 2020). Norway is one of the European countries that have suffered from a series of terror attacks in the region perpetrated by radical Islamists, an example being the Oslo shooting on June 25, 2022, that targeted an LGBTQ+ venue (Mason, 2022).

The locals may associate this religion with acts of terrorism. Many employers will be hesitant to hire an individual who they feel can become a suicide bomber. They may fear that such persons may target their employees or supervisors (Monsen & Steien, 2022). Such a wrong perception of a certain group of people may make life terrible for an immigrant. It may take a long for them to get a decent job. Although statistics show that most of the major acts of terrorism in this country were committed by Norwegians, the generally negative perception of a section of migrants may affect their overall experience in this country.

Housing is a major concern for migrant mothers in Norway. The United States is considered to be one of the countries with expensive housing for migrants coming from Africa and other developed nations (Guzman et al., 2018). Some are even forced to live in cars because it is cheaper to buy a car. To imagine that the average rent in Norway is 38.1% higher than that of the United States means that immigrants from these developing countries may not be able to afford a house until they get a decent job.

Most of the housing agencies would also want a guarantee that a specific individual is in gainful employment. This means that even if they have the needed amount to pay rent for a specific period, the property owner or manager may not give them the lease until they can confirm that they are employed. Prejudice is another challenge that may arise when looking for a house.

When the individual is African, some housing agents may not allow them to rent or buy a house in specific places as it would ‘degrade’ the standards of the estate. The presence of an African in a certain neighborhood would be a drop in the class of the area (Bhugra et al., 2021). On the other hand, Muslims will have to deal with the perception that they can be potential terrorists. Some people may even consider relocating to other neighborhoods if a Muslim moves close to them, especially after the recent cases of suicide bombings across Europe.

Raising children in Norway is significantly different from the way it is done in other parts of the world. Ślusarczyk et al. (2018) explain that in many parts of Africa, it is a common practice for a parent to use corporal punishment in case a child has made a mistake or is being rude. In Norway, physically assaulting a child is illegal and can land an individual a prison term.

Immigrant mothers have to learn about parenting standards and practices in Norway to avoid legal issues. The migrant mothers must also learn that they have the responsibility to take their children to school and provide for them their basic needs. Parenting in Norway is stricter and demanding than it is in many developing economies in Africa, Asia, and parts of South America.

High standards when looking for a job may be another concern for migrant mothers in Norway. The qualifications needed for a nurse in Norway are significantly different from those needed in Syria or Afghanistan (Haukanes & Pine, 2021). A qualified high school teacher in South Africa cannot be allowed to teach at the same level in Norway. These migrants are often forced to go through training so that they can be licensed to practice what they might have been practicing in their home country. They also have to learn the local languages before they can get the needed license because they will be regularly interacting with the locals. The cost of going through such training and meeting personal expenses during that period may be prohibitive.

The Role of Migrant Mothers in Norway

Migrant mothers living in Norway should understand that they have specific roles and responsibilities that they should not ignore. Parents have moral and legal duties to their children, and Norway is one of the countries that tend to be strict in ensuring that parents remain responsible (Haukanes & Pine, 2021). For any parent who is keen on relocating to this country with their children, the following are the responsibilities that they should not ignore.

Mothers as Care Givers

In this country, mothers are generally considered to be caregivers to their children. It means that the mother is expected to maintain the hygiene of their children at all times, especially the young ones who cannot be responsible for themselves. They have to ensure that meals are prepared and presented to their children at the right time. When the child is sick, the mother is expected to take them to a medical facility where they can get the assistance that they need (Haukanes & Pine, 2021). They have to remember that they are responsible for the well-being of their children.

Mothers as Breadwinners

In Norway, women are empowered socially and economically. It is possible to have cases where of the two parents, the father decides to be the provider while the mother becomes the caregiver (Monsen & Steien, 2022). In other cases, both parents have to work to make ends meet. Migrant mothers may sometimes be single mothers because of the circumstances under which they came to the country. In such circumstances, they are expected to be the breadwinners of their families. They have to go to work and get the pay needed to meet the basic needs of the family. As the heads of these families, they are also required to decide on where to stay, items to purchase, and generally how to budget for their income to survive in this country.

Mothers as Counselors and Protectors

Parents are expected to offer guidance and counseling to their children, especially when they reach their teenage. It is possible that teachers may not understand the unique needs and expectations of the migrant child, especially when they are dealing with students from a wide social background (Ryndyk et al., 2021). In such cases, parents are expected to step in and help their children reconcile the new reality and what they are used to in their home country. Parents should teach their children tolerance towards sociocultural practices that differ from what they practice. Single mothers should also remember that they are the protectors of their children. As parents, they are expected to ensure that their children are always safe, especially at home and when under their care.

The Significance of Having Close Social Networks in the Country

When moving to a new country, sometimes it helps to have a close social network to help learn about various issues in the country. The first benefit of having a close associate in such a country is that they may host the new immigrant for some time before they can have a place of their own. Norway has one of the most expensive rents in the world, especially in major urban centers (Bhugra et al., 2021). A new immigrant who is yet to get employed may find it challenging to pay such a huge amount of rent. Having a close associate means that the individual can be housed for some time as they plan to move out after some time.

The legal environment in Norway is significantly different from that of other countries around the world. For an immigrant from the Middle East, some of the laws in this country even contradict the laws and social norms of the home country (Monsen & Steien, 2022). One can commit a crime without even knowing that they are breaking the law. Having close social networks may help an immigrant navigate and understand the country’s legal system. They will be informed about the existence of specific laws, what to do, and what to avoid in places of work and places of residence. These close friends will warn the new immigrants whenever they want to take any action that is contrary to the laws and regulations of this country.

Finding a decent job may be a challenge for new immigrants, especially when they are unable to communicate effectively in the local languages. The challenge that these new immigrants face is that sometimes, it may take years before they can learn and communicate in the local language. One can’t remain unemployed for that long in this country, given the high cost of living (Vaughn et al., 2020).

There are some jobs that one can easily do even if one cannot effectively communicate in the local language. Having a close network enables an individual to find jobs that they can do as soon as they arrive in the country. The fact that these friends and family members have stayed longer in the country and are working in different places means that they are in a better position to know of a job opportunity that the new immigrant can take up (Bhugra et al., 2021). Through such connections and networks, one can quickly settle down and become self-reliant in this foreign country.

Loneliness and the feeling of being homesick are some of the major challenges that one may encounter as soon as one comes to a new country. When one leaves family members and long-term friends behind to start a new life in a new country, one may face a major emotional challenge. As Brook and Ottemoller (2020) put it, such individuals will not only be dealing with a new environment and systems but also a new group of people.

It becomes worse if the individual is unable to communicate in the local language, as is always the case in Norway. Having close social networks is critical in overcoming this challenge. One can find solace in having people they know and care about them in the new country. The network will offer the newcomers the emotional support that they need. Although the environment may be new, having an acquaintance is often helpful.

The goal of every migrant is to achieve financial success and independence in the new country. However, sometimes it may take a long for such an individual to achieve such a goal, especially when the cost of living is as high as it is in Norway. Close social networks can help overcome this challenge (Monsen & Steien, 2022).

The individuals may opt to share some costs to enable them to increase their savings every month. For a single mother, it is easy to come together with another single mother to share an apartment. Instead of paying the full amount of rent, the two will need to pay half that amount every month. In that context, they will significantly increase their savings.

The two parents will also share utility costs such as electricity, gas, water, telephone, and mail bills, further reducing their monthly expenses. The close social network can opt to pool their resources and make a major investment in the country. They can buy shares of a given company or even start their own firm (Vaughn et al., 2020). Working as a single unit gives them the financial muscle to make a major step in their investment plans.

The Norwegian System

The ability of a migrant mother to achieve success in Norway depends on how fast they can understand the systems and structures in this country. As Anderson (2022) observes, the socio-political and economic systems in different places in the world vary. In Saudi Arabia, citizens have embraced the monarch, and the idea that people need to elect their leaders is abnormal to them.

On the other hand, people in many Western countries cherish the fact that they are directly responsible for electing their leaders. When a migrant comes from the Middle East to Norway, there are many differences in the system that they will need to learn. In this section, the focus is to discuss the parenting, education, employment, and sociocultural and political systems in the country.

The Norwegian System of Parenting

Different parts of the world have generally embraced and promoted specific parenting styles. It is necessary to discuss various types of parenting and regions where they are commonly practiced before explaining how it is in the local context. Authoritarian parenting is one of the most common forms of parenting that is common in many parts of the Middle East and China (Monsen & Steien, 2022). In this form of parenting, communication is often in a one-way mode, where the parent issues instructions, and the child follows them without question.

There are strict rules and regulations set by the parent, and the child is expected to follow them. Any form of disobedience or failure to meet the expectations of the parent would result in severe punishment. The child is not expected to negotiate with the parent, especially after instruction is given. Anderson (2022) explains that such children tend to be well-behaved because of the fear of the consequences of misbehaving. They are excellent at following instructions and meeting specific goals. However, such children can become shy, aggressive, or socially inept because their social skills are not nurtured.

Authoritative parenting is another common form of parenting. It is significantly different from authoritarian parenting because there is a close relationship between a parent and a child and a genuine effort to nurture the child to achieve greater success in life (Guzman et al., 2018). This parent has strict rules and clear guidelines that they expect their children to follow. They also use punishment whenever the child significantly deviates from the set rules. When punishing the child, they will explain to them why it is necessary to do so and how they can avoid it in the future.

Under this form of parenting, children are allowed to express themselves and be part of the goal-setting. A child can inform the parent that instead of becoming a lawyer, they would want to venture into business. The parent will then offer them the support that they need to achieve such a goal. These children tend to be confident and self-aware (Hiitola et al., 2020). They can self-regulate and accomplish their goals with ease because of their high self-esteem. This form of parenting is common in Japan, Malaysia, South Africa, Singapore, and other parts of the Asian continent (Brook & Ottemoller, 2020). This parenting style has also been associated with high levels of academic performance.

Permissive parenting is a common style of parenting, especially in developed countries of Europe and North America. In this context, the parent is expected to be nurturing and warm to their children (Vaughn et al., 2020). They may have expectations for their children, but they have to be minimal, and the child is involved in developing them. These parents do not set strict rules and regulations but instead, opt to use open communication where a parent can guide the child.

In many cases, the parent will let their child figure things out as long as they know the child is safe and will not be exposing others to harm. These parents rarely use disciplinary measures, especially corporal punishment, whenever a child makes a mistake (Monsen & Steien, 2022). Instead, they prioritize open communication as a way of enabling their children to avoid making the same mistake in the future.

These children tend to have high self-esteem, effective communication and social skills, and the ability to accomplish goals without having another person supervising them constantly. However, they may also be self-indulging, demanding, and sometimes impulsive. This is the parenting style that is common in Norway.

Uninvolved parenting is the most relaxed form of parenting, and most often, it is unique to a specific parent as opposed to being a common practice in a specific country or region. As the name suggests, these parents rarely have time for their children (Bhugra et al., 2021). They grant them maximum freedom and the latitude to do almost anything that they want.

While providing for all of their children’s fundamental requirements, these parents would also keep a distance from their lives. These parents do not use any form of discipline on their children, and neither do they maintain regular communication or make an effort to nurture them. Brook and Ottemoller (2020) explain that many of these parents tend to be busy at work, holding senior managerial positions that force them to spend most of their time out of the house. They believe that once they have provided the resources, the child will be okay.

Others went through the same parenting style and became successful, hence the hope that it will also work for their children. Guzman et al. (2018) argue that some parents do not trust their parenting skills because of their poor upbringing and believe that granting their children maximum freedom is the best way of parenting. Although such children may have high self-esteem and self-reliant skills, they may have problems coping with stress, experience challenges in their academics, and have difficulty maintaining relationships.

In Norway, permissive parenting is the most common and generally accepted form of parenting. Mothers are expected to be fully responsible for their children’s well-being. They are expected to guide them and enable them to achieve success in their social and academic lives.

A parent may be allowed to set rules and strictly implement them to protect the child and the family. However, corporal punishment is not allowed in the country. Parents are also advised to avoid the use of verbal abuse as it may have serious psychological effects on the child. Understanding the local parenting style may help migrant mothers to adapt to the local system with ease.

The Norwegian System of Education

Migrant mothers who are interested in settling in Norway need to understand the country’s education system and the requirements put in place by the government. Anderson (2022) explains that in Norway, education is mandatory for children aged 6 to 16 years. It means that a parent has no right to choose whether to take their children to school as long as they fall in that age bracket.

A study by Hiitola et al. (2020) shows that Norway has one of the highest-quality education in the world. It means that when one graduate from the local learning institutions, their academic papers will be widely recognized around the world. The primary language of communication in most public schools is Norwegian. However, Brook and Ottemoller (2020) observe that many private schools issue instruction in English. As such, language is less likely to become a major issue for these students.

In Norway, basic education is divided into two categories: primary and junior/lower secondary. These institutions are under the management of municipal and local governments. Norwegian citizens get this basic education at no cost because the country considers it a basic right. For foreign students, there is a fee that one is expected to pay. Such parents may also opt to take their children to private schools in the country.

The Norwegian State Education Loan Fund, locally known as Lånekassen, offers loans only to Norwegian citizens at a very low interest rate with a flexible payment plan. The loan is meant to meet students’ needs for housing, food, study materials, and clothing, among others. The government pays the bulk of the tuition fee. Foreign students’ parents will be required to meet these needs.

It is the responsibility of migrant mothers to find the right school for their children who are under 16 years old and over 6 years old. Once the institution has been selected, the law requires such a parent to provide the child with the needs necessary for them to go to school. As basic education is considered a basic right of a child, keeping a child away from school will be considered a practice that breaks the law (Hiitola et al., 2020). A migrant mother may seek assistance from the government or non-governmental agencies in the country if they are unable to meet the educational needs of their children.

The Norwegian System of Employment

Norway boasts one of the world’s lowest unemployment rates. However, migrants from some countries around the world may be forced to further their education locally before they can get employment in specific professions (Guzman et al., 2018). For instance, teachers from most developing countries may not automatically qualify to work in the same capacity when they move to Norway. They will be required to go through further training before they can qualify to work as a teacher.

The same case applies to sensitive careers such as doctors, a nurse, an engineer, or a lawyer. Before one gets the certification to work in these specialized fields, they can get employment opportunities in many other industries where they will be considered semi-skilled or unskilled employees. The oil and gas, forest, fishing, and mining industries are often the most attractive for such immigrants. One can also get employed easily in the agriculture or transport industries.

In Norway, working shifts often start from 8 or 9 in the morning till 4 or 5 in the evening. Any extra time beyond the eight official hours is considered overtime, and the employer has to pay for it (Haugaard et al., 2020). Although there were attempts to make Norwegians work for only 4 days a week, the official working days of the week remained 5.

Salaries for employees in this country vary significantly, depending on the nature of the job that one does. Auxiliary workers in the livestock production sector are the least paid employees, earning approximately 350,000 Norwegian kroner annually, while top executives at oil and gas companies are the best paid, making more than 1.4 million Norwegian kroner annually (Nielsen et al., 2022). One can negotiate their salaries upwards with their employer based on the actual value that they offer the company.

Once hired, migrants should understand the laws and regulations governing their workplace. The laws of the country prohibit employers from arbitrarily dismissing their employees with just cause (Bhugra et al., 2021). It also requires the employer to pay their workers at the right time and a salary that is within the minimum wage.

On their part, employees have responsibilities that they have to observe. They need to report to work on time and discharge their duties as defined in their employment contract. Any form of harassment based on one’s gender, race, handicap, and sexual orientation is prohibited under the anti-discrimination laws in the country (Anderson, 2022).

Migrants also need to understand that harassing an individual on the grounds of their age, membership to a political party, or trade union is prohibited by the Working Environment Act (Hiitola et al., 2020). While these migrants will enjoy the protections of these laws in their workplaces, they should also remember that they can be punished if they subject anyone to any form of harassment.

The Norwegian Sociocultural and Political System

Understanding the local political and sociocultural structure can greatly enhance the experience of migrant mothers residing in Norway. Brook and Ottemoller (2020) explain that, like any other developed nation, there is a strong sense of civic engagement among its citizens. There is a general feeling among the populace that citizens have a major role to play in the country’s governance. It is common to find the locals wearing traditional clothing on special occasions. There is also a strong sense of gender neutrality. Neither gender is considered either superior or inferior to the other in social settings. Men and women are granted the opportunity to achieve success at work or in political offices.

Tolerance, respect, and equality are the fundamental values that define Norwegian culture. Society is tolerant of divergent views (Haugaard et al., 2020). It means that people are often granted the opportunity to explain their views and perceptions towards specific issues without the fear of being attacked or discriminated against. There is a general understanding that different people may view a concept differently based on their gender, level of education, nationality, and many other demographical factors that make an individual unique. This society often makes an effort to accommodate the views of different people.

Respect for the authority and other members of society is an integral part of the cultural system. A migrant is expected to be as respectful towards others as locals are towards them. Equality is a principle that the country has fully embraced. No one is allowed to discriminate against another on any ground.

Same-sex marriage is a common practice in the country, and it is generally accepted. Migrants should learn not to discriminate against such people. A study by Anderson (2022) showed that there is a growing economic inequality in this country in favor of those who have higher academic qualifications and experience. Just like in many other affluent nations in Europe, the rich tend to live in high-end neighborhoods with some of the best amenities. Although insecurity is not a major problem in the country, the rich can afford to have additional layers of security besides what the government offers.

Norway is a politically stable country that has enjoyed a prolonged period of national security since the end of the Second World War. Although the country is a constitutional monarch, it has a representative parliamentary democracy under the leadership of the prime minister, who is the bearer of political power in the country (Brook & Ottemoller, 2020).

Norwegians are expected to participate in the election of their representatives through a secret ballot. In addition to the election, citizens also have a civic duty to regularly meet with their representatives and discuss challenges that they face in their respective constituencies. When the electorates feel that a specific political leader has failed to meet their expectation after the end of their term, they can choose to elect a different leader for that position.

Information That Migrant Mothers Need to Navigate the Norwegian System

Migrant mothers living in Norway should have specific knowledge about this country to improve their experience. Ryndyk et al. (2021) explain that all migrants need to know the legal status of their residency in this country. One can come to Norway to visit a friend or family on a work visa, on an education visa, as an investor, or as an asylum seeker. There are some steps that one needs to take to live and work in the country for a prolonged period.

Norway has harsh laws against illegal immigrants in the country. Haugaard et al. (2020) explain that when it has been established that one came to the country and is living illegally, they can be sentenced to a jail term. After serving their jail sentence, they will be deported out of the country for 1-5 years, depending on various factors. As such, an individual should legalize their stay in the country to avoid such serious consequences.

Migrant mothers need information about the role that they are expected to play in the community to get acceptance. When in a foreign country, one needs to ensure that they are actively involved in various community development projects. Although there are no legal requirements stating that everyone must be involved in these community-based activities, doing so increases the chances of the migrant to integrate into society (Bhugra et al., 2021). When they interact with others, they can easily help in fighting negative stereotypes about Africans, Muslims, or immigrants from different parts of the world. They will allow the local society to judge them based on their character, not a stereotype.

Migrant mothers living in Norway need to understand that religious institutions can be a powerful source of support for them and their children. According to Anderson (2022), more than 90% of Norwegians identify as Christians, with about 65% of the population belonging to the Evangelical Lutheran Church. They need to be informed that going to church and being a member of church-related groups can help create social support that will improve their experience.

First, they will get the spiritual nourishment that they need to survive in the new land. The church creates a new community where they can have a sense of belonging. In the church, everyone has a common goal of worshiping the Lord. Religious people tend to be tolerant towards the people who share their faith. They would not hesitate to assist them when they feel that it is necessary to do so. These mothers will form powerful networks through such a setting that can enable them to secure a better job, get housing, or any other benefit that they need in the country.

Theoretical Perspective

It is necessary to review theoretical concepts relevant to this study. The experience of migrants in different parts of the world has been attracting the attention of scholars over the past several decades. Various theories and concepts have been developed to explain the experience and challenges that are often encountered. In this paper, acculturation theory, Stouffer’s theory of mobility, and Bowlby and Ainsworth’s attachment theory were considered appropriate for the study.

Acculturation Theoretical Perspective

When one is moving from one country to another, one of the issues that one has to deal with is culture shock. They may find that values and practices in the host country are significantly different from what they practice back at home. Acculturation theory explains the “process of learning and incorporating the values, beliefs, language, customs, and mannerisms of the new country immigrants and their families are living in, including behaviors that affect health such as dietary habits, activity levels and substance used” (Mody, 2007, p. 516). When one moves to a new country, it is often advisable for them to be assimilated into the local system, especially if they intend to stay for long periods. This theory holds that for one to easily be assimilated into the local system, one needs to accept and embrace the local practices.

It is possible that one does not fully accept some of the practices because of their background. For instance, a Muslim mother who has moved to Norway may find it difficult to accept lesbianism as a normal sexual practice. However, they will need to understand that this is a tolerant country, and as long as no one is forcing them into the practice, they can easily embrace those who consider the practice acceptable.

The theory explains that one learns a new culture, values, and beliefs through socially engaging with the locals. When one is a loner or only associates with those with whom they share common cultural practices, it may be difficult for them to be assimilated into the local culture. They need to be flexible and accommodating, knowing that in this country, an individual’s liberty is cherished as long as it does not affect the liberty and rights of others.

Stouffer’s Theory of Mobility

Stouffer’s theory of mobility explains how and why people move from one place to the next or from one country to another. According to (Faridi, 2019, para. 4), the model suggests that “the number of migrants from an origin to a destination is directly proportional to the number of opportunities at that destination and inversely proportional to the number of intervening opportunities between the origin and the destination.” Stouffer believes that the primary reason why people move from one country to another is the desire to tap into the available opportunities. Those who are compelled to leave their nation due to insecurity or significant natural disasters are the main exception to this idea. In this concept, the belief is that the only thing that can make a person move from one country to another at times of peace and when their lives are not in danger is the search for better opportunities.

A significant number of migrants coming to Norway from different parts of the world are attracted to the opportunities available locally. This country has one of the lowest rates of unemployment in the world, which means that there are employment opportunities. Migrants have also been attracted to the better remuneration that the country offers compared to salaries in other countries (Haugaard et al., 2020).

Better healthcare is another opportunity that attracts migrant mothers to Norway, especially those with children who require specialized care. Better transport and communication infrastructure, high standards of living, and the ability to enjoy greater rights and freedom are the other opportunities attracting migrants. According to this theory, if people can find these opportunities in their home countries, the chances that they can move out will be significantly low.

Bowlby and Ainsworth’s Attachment Theory

Bowlby and Ainsworth’s attachment theory can help explain the experience that migrant mothers have while living in Norway. The theory explains that from childhood, one develops attachment with the people they interact with and the environment in which they develop. It explains the unique bond that a person has with their family. The bond is not only created by the fact that one is related by family members by blood but also by the fact that they have spent time together for a long time, going through the same experiences (Brook & Ottemoller, 2020). Similarly, one may develop a strong attachment to a specific physical location that they like to visit when they are happy or sad.

The attachment to people or a place may be so strong that the moment one travels to a new country intending to stay there for a long or a lifetime, they would become homesick. The desire to get back to the normal system and interact with normal people may affect their ability to embrace the new environment and new people (Ryndyk et al., 2021).

This theory suggests that one needs to be open-minded enough to be ready to learn about the new system. They need to appreciate that in the host country; there are places that can offer them the satisfaction that they enjoyed at home. They also need to know that they can create and become a member of the local community and enjoy the same support that they would have had at home. Their willingness to embrace the new system and to let go of the desire to have what they left behind would be critical for them to easily get assimilated.

Research

The previous chapter focused on reviewing the relevant literature about the experience of migrant mothers living in Norway. In recent years, a lot of academics have become interested in the experience of migrants in Europe. It was necessary to assess what other scholars found out in that field. In this chapter, the focus is to explain the method that was used to collect and process data from various sources.

The chapter explains the research philosophy that underpinned the assumptions made in the study. It explains the research approach used to develop new information and the strategy used to collect data. The research methodology used to process the collected data is also explained. The chapter also explains the data collection method, the approach used to analyze the collected data, the limitations of the study, and ethical considerations.

Research Philosophy

When conducting research, one factor that must be clearly defined is research philosophy. According to Ghauri et al. (2020), research philosophy defines the primary assumptions that the researcher intends to make in the study. As shown in the research onion below, a researcher can choose to use the various philosophies depending on the aim of the study and the objectives that should be realized. One can use positivism, realism, interpretivism, and pragmatism. It is necessary to explain each of these philosophies before stating why one was considered the most appropriate.

One of the most popular research philosophies is positivism. According to Aityan (2022), proponents of this philosophy “adhere to the view that only factual knowledge gained through observation (the senses), including measurement, is trustworthy” (45). The researcher is required to make observations and take measurements, making an effort not to interfere with the normal behavior of the subjects. As such, the role of the researcher in this context is limited to data collection and analysis. The researcher is not expected to influence the subject being studied because it will affect their behavior.

Aityan (2022) explains that people tend to behave differently when they know they are being studied. They will try to give an image that they feel should be appropriate to the intended audience instead of behaving normally. Positivism is a popular philosophy when conducting quantitative research. It supports using statistical methods to analyze a specific question in a study. This philosophy was considered inappropriate for the study because its assumptions only support statistical research.

A researcher may opt to use realism as the guiding research philosophy. It holds the view that reality is independent of the human mind (Singh et al., 2020). People may view the same concept or issue differently based on their social background and practices. For instance, female circumcision is a common practice among many African countries, and it is considered an important rite before one can be considered a woman (Kandala & Komba, 2018).

On the other hand, many Western nations have criticized the practice, arguing that it is a retrogressive culture with no place in modern society. Such conflicts in thoughts are common and may not be easily addressed when a debate is the only solution. Realists argue that the only solution is to use scientific methods when developing knowledge. Findings made through a scientific investigation would be universally acceptable irrespective of the differences in the socio-economic backgrounds of those involved. Scientific methods cannot be used to explore the experiences of migrant mothers residing in Norway. As such, it could not be used as the underpinning philosophy for this study.

Pragmatism is probably the most popular research philosophy in social sciences research. According to Machado and Davim (2020), the proponents of this philosophy argue that there are different ways through which one can interpret a concept and that no single viewpoint can offer a complete picture. As such, it holds the view that a concept is only relevant and true if it supports action (Thomas, 2021).

If the opinions of the locals are disregarded when examining the experience of migrant moms in Norway, the opinions of these migrants might not give a whole picture of the problem under investigation. Using pragmatism as the research philosophy, one can investigate the issue by getting different perspectives to explain it. The philosophy allows a researcher to use qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze an issue. Despite its popularity, the researcher considered it less appropriate for this study because it allows the use of quantitative methods to conduct research.

Interpretivism is another common research approach in social sciences. Aityan (2022) explains that “interpretive researchers assume that access to reality, given or socially constructed, is only through social constructions such as language, consciousness, shared meanings, and instruments” (51). This philosophy holds the view that it is almost impossible to ignore the need to integrate human interest in a given study.

In this case, it is not easy for the researcher to ignore their interest in the issue relating to the experience of migrant mothers living in Norway. It allows a researcher to interact closely with the participants when investigating an issue to properly understand it. Interpretivists argue that statistical methods of analyzing data have major limitations. It denies a researcher the ability to ask participants to explain their views in great detail. Instead, their responses are structured in a way that limits the freedom and ability to choose to provide explanations.

As such, interpretivism encourages the use of qualitative research in a study. It allows a researcher to use open-ended questions that grant participants the ability to explain their answers. These assumptions made this philosophy the most appropriate for this study. In this case, open-ended questions made it possible for participants to explain their experience of living as migrant mothers in Norway. The researcher understood that the experience of each parent was unique in one way or another.

Research Approach

When the research philosophy has been selected, the next step is to identify the appropriate research approach. The research approach defines the pattern that a researcher will take to develop new knowledge. A researcher may use deductive or inductive reasoning approaches to develop a piece of new knowledge.

As shown in Figure 3.2, the deductive method requires a researcher to start by identifying a relevant theory upon which the study will be based (Kumar, 2019). The focus will be to determine if the current knowledge still supports the theory. The researcher will then develop hypotheses that directly respond to the proposed hypotheses. It is at this stage that the researcher will be expected to conduct observations and tests to confirm or reject the hypothesis. This approach emphasizes the need to conduct a statistical analysis to accept or reject the proposed hypothesis. As such, the researcher considered it a less appropriate research approach because it limits the analysis of data to mathematical methods.

A researcher can opt to use inductive reasoning if it effectively meets the goal of the researcher. Unlike the deductive approach, inductive reasoning does not require a researcher to start by basing the study on a specific theory, and neither does it require the researcher to develop a specific hypothesis. Instead, it allows one the freedom to investigate the issue from scratch. This means that a researcher will need to start by asking specific research questions. Once the questions have been developed based on the topic of the research, the first step will be to conduct observations or conduct tests, as shown in Figure 3.3 below.

Once an observation has been made, the next step is to develop patterns based on the outcome of the observation. The researcher will then develop a theory or a new concept that directly responds to the aim and objectives of the study. This approach was considered the most desirable for this research, and it aligns with the research philosophy. It allowed the researcher to conduct qualitative research to understand the experience of migrant mothers living in Norway. Their responses were then used to develop a pattern that explained the experience. The information was then used to directly respond to the aim and objectives of this research.

Research Strategy

Identifying the right research strategy is critical when conducting research. Kaurani (2020) explains that a research strategy defines the overall direction of the study, which includes the process through which the investigation is conducted.

A researcher can opt to use various strategies such as experiments, case studies, action research, grounded theory, ethnography, archival research, or a survey. An experiment is often conducted in pure research studies, often in a laboratory setting. In this study, laboratory research was not necessary. It meant that this experiment-based strategy was not appropriate for the study.

A case study may be needed to have a detailed understanding of a given phenomenon. It involves an in-depth analysis of an issue or a group of people (Rezaul, 2019). Using a case study would be the most appropriate way of understanding the experience of migrant mothers living in Norway. However, this strategy was not used because of its requirement of focusing on a specific individual or a group of people.

When using this method, a researcher would have had to base the study on a single migrant mother or a group of migrant mothers as a single unit. It is important to note that a migrant mother from the Philippines who is a Christian may have challenges that are different from a migrant mother from the Middle East who is a Muslim. The grouping may not enable a researcher to have a comprehensive understanding of the issues these parents go through. It made case study a less effective strategy for investigating the issue.

Action research is another possible strategy that one can use to conduct research. In this strategy, the researcher is expected to investigate an issue and then solve it (Politano et al., 2018). The researcher does not stop at providing recommendations so that others can act upon them. Instead, they will make a direct effort to solve the specific problem that they have investigated. They have to follow specific guidelines that they have developed to address the issue. In this study, the researcher has a limited capacity to address some of the challenges that migrant mothers in Norway experience. It means that action research would be inappropriate for this project.

Grounded theory is sometimes used in other studies. In this strategy, the researcher is expected to develop hypotheses based on specific theories, as is always the case when conducting a statistical data analysis. The only difference is that the hypotheses developed are analyzed using qualitative research methods. It has been explained that in this study, the researcher does not intend to develop hypotheses. As such, the strategy was not considered desirable.

Ethnography is another popular strategy for conducting research in social sciences. In this strategy, a researcher is expected to use qualitative methods to gather data that helps in understanding the social and behavioral patterns of a given person (Islam et al., 2022). It is a strategy that focuses on understanding the cultural practices and beliefs of a given group of people. Flick (2020) explains that when using this method, a researcher should understand that the goal is often to explore a cultural phenomenon from the perspective of the subject. This means that the views and perceptions of others who are not the subject of the study will not be prioritized.

In this case, the experience of migrant mothers living in Norway will be assessed based on information obtained from these mothers. Views and perceptions of the locals will be ignored. This strategy was considered one of the most effective in achieving the goal of this study. The strategy would help in understanding the cultural practices of these migrant mothers and why they find it challenging to fit into the local socio-cultural environment in Norway.

A researcher may opt to obtain data through archival research. It involves extracting data from archival records to inform a given study (Machado & Davim, 2020). The most common form of archival data is the use of books and journal articles to answer specific research questions. It is the basis of a literature review where a researcher assesses what other scholars have found out in a given field. This strategy was central to this research project.

As Flick (2020) observes, when investigating an issue, it is always prudent to start by assessing what other scholars have found out. The experience of migrant mothers in different Western countries is a topic that has attracted the attention of scholars in the past. It is necessary to review what these scholars have found to help develop a background for the study. The researcher collected data from books and journal articles that have been published recently.

Surveys are probably the most common method of collecting primary data in social sciences. It involves identifying a sample from the total population and collecting data from them by asking specific questions (Islam et al., 2022). A survey may take various forms depending on the time available for the study and the availability of the participants.

A face-to-face interview is often the one that most researchers would consider effective. It involves physically interacting with participants and asking them specific questions. However, it is considered a time-consuming method and it is only appropriate when the respondents are concentrated within a relatively small geographic location (Islam et al., 2022).

An alternative to it would be the use of an online survey. It involves sending the participants questionnaires and guiding them on how to answer the questions. The participants would then be expected to answer the questions and email back the document. It is often appropriate when collecting data from a relatively large population or when the participants are sparsely distributed over a wide geographic location, making it impossible to reach out to them physically.

Methodology

A researcher needs to determine the appropriate method of conducting a study based on the aim and objectives of the study. One can use qualitative research, quantitative research, or mixed research. Quantitative research involves the use of statistical methods to process data obtained from participants (Ghauri et al., 2020). A researcher is expected to use structured questions to collect data that can be coded.

Once the data is coded, mathematical tools such as Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet or Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) would then be used to process the data. The outcome of the analysis would then be presented in the form of graphs and tables. This method was not desirable for this study. An analysis of the experience of migrant mothers in Norway needs to be conducted that goes beyond statistics.

The second option for a researcher is to use qualitative research methods. Also known as descriptive research, the method involves the use of non-numerical data to investigate an issue (Singh et al., 2020). A researcher is expected to use open-ended (unstructured) questions to collect data from the participants. The goal is to understand their views and experiences on an issue. Each participant is expected to answer the questions uniquely based on their experiences and knowledge.

The questions are unstructured to ensure that the participants have the freedom to address the specific questions without restrictions. This method was considered the most relevant when investigating the experience of migrant mothers living in Norway. It made it possible for each participant to explain their experience in this country without being restricted to specific ways of answering the questions. Information obtained from this method can then be used to develop patterns and themes that directly respond to the aim and objectives of the study.

Mixed method research integrates both qualitative and quantitative research. Thomas (2021) argues that it is a more comprehensive approach to an investigation where both statistics and phenomenology are used to investigate an issue. The method requires a researcher to use both structured and unstructured questions to collect data. It is often used in cases where either of the two is not sufficient to answer the question. It was not necessary to use this method in this research project.

Data Collection Method

When the methodologies have been defined, the researcher will need to conduct the actual data collection. Two primary sources of information were to be gathered in order to comprehend the experiences of migrant moms residing in Norway. The first source of data came from secondary sources. Secondary data was obtained from books, scholarly journal articles, and reliable online sources.

The information obtained from secondary sources formed the basis of a literature review conducted in chapter 2 of this report. The second source of data came from a sample of migrant mothers living in Norway. It was necessary to get information directly from these participants to understand what they go through in this country. This chapter is largely dedicated to explaining how primary data from these migrant mothers were obtained and processed to respond to the research questions.

Questionnaire Design

The researcher developed a questionnaire to assist in collecting primary data from the sampled participants. Kumar (2019) advises that developing a questionnaire helps ensure that data is collected in a proper way to help achieve the aim and objectives of the study. The questionnaire used in this study had three sections.

The first section of this document focused on the demography of the participants. Kaurani (2020) notes that gaining insight into a participant’s background facilitates comprehension of why they answer specific questions in a specific manner. For instance, an Islamic migrant from the Middle East may find it challenging to embrace the socio-cultural system in Norway, where the overwhelming majority of the locals are Christians. Understanding the background of such a participant makes it possible to understand why they respond in a given way to each question. Age is a factor known to define how people view events and issues in their social lives.

The second section of the questionnaire focused on how long these participants have been living in Norway. It was meant to capture the experience of these migrant mothers living in this country. A migrant mother who has been living in Norway for over 15 years will have a different experience from one who has been in the country for six months. The longer they stay, the easier life becomes as they understand how to maneuver their ways in the new country. It would be expected that such a person who has spent such a long period in the country considers it a better alternative to other countries that they can move to when given an opportunity.

This document’s final section addressed particular queries about the experiences of migrant moms in Norway. While the first two sections were meant to enable the researcher to understand why the participants answered the questions in a given manner, the last section of the document focused on the primary aim and objectives of the study. In this section, the researcher used unstructured questions to ensure that the participants had the freedom to respond uniquely based on their experience. The questionnaire has been attached to the appendix section of this report, identified as Appendix 1.

Sampling and Sample Size

It may not be easy to precisely determine the population of migrant mothers in Norway. The problem is exacerbated by the problem of illegal immigration in the country. According to a study conducted by Oxford Research AS alongside the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration in 2014, it was estimated there were between 18,100 to 56,000 illegal immigrants in the country (Haugaard et al., 2020).

A more recent study also revealed that there are more than 197,900 children born in Norway to immigrant parents. Finding all the migrant mothers and engaging them in data collection may not be within the scope of the study, given the limited time and resources available for the project. As such, it was necessary to select a sample that would represent the entire population.

Purposive sampling was considered the most effective method of collecting the needed information from the entire population. According to Ghauri et al. (2020), purposive sampling is a non-probability sampling technique where a researcher selects participants mainly because they meet specific inclusion criteria. The first characteristic that they had to meet was that they had to be migrant female adults who are currently parenting their children or a child in Norway. They must have lived in this country for a period of 9 months to 16 years. The researcher preferred participants from Afghanistan, Syria, and Thailand.

Eight individuals met the criteria and were easily reachable by the researcher. The eight women between the ages of 24-60 live in South-West Norway, with a total of 24 children and grandchildren. These are women who have been living in Norway for at least 9 months and not more than 16 years. All of them were from the countries stated above, and they are parenting their children in these countries. They could easily be contacted by the researcher because they resided in the same locality. To limit the variables affecting the experience of these mothers, the legal status of their residency in the country was ignored. However, the researcher is aware that life may be more complex for those who are living in the country illegally.

Conducting Interviews

When the document for data collection has been developed and a sample determined, the next step is the actual collection of data. The researcher considered face-to-face interviews as the most effective way of collecting data. Rezaul (2019) explains that face-to-face interviews enable a researcher to physically interact with the participants in the process of data collection. The researcher can easily reiterate the importance of the study and why the participants were collected. It is also possible to address any questions that the participants may have during the process of data collection.

Face-to-face interviews significantly reduce the chances that a respondent will deliberately provide a misleading answer. A researcher can gather non-verbal cues alongside the direct answers that the researcher provides (Ghauri et al., 2020). Once the meeting is organized, the researcher will be guaranteed that they will obtain the needed response unless an issue emerges that disrupts the process of data collection.

This strategy also enables the researcher to ask the participants to provide a further explanation of their points in cases where their answers are ambiguous or radically different from those of the majority. The researcher used an audio recording to interview to save time. The participants were promised that the audio would be destroyed as soon as the data was transcribed.

Data Analysis

When data has been collected from primary sources, the next phase is the analysis. Islam et al. (2022) state that the analysis should directly focus on answering the research questions and achieving the aim of the study. In this case, the data analysis had to explain the experience of migrant mothers living in Norway. The researcher used unstructured questions to collect primary data. It meant that the analysis had to be qualitative.

The researcher coded the direct quotations obtained from the participants to develop a pattern. The information was then used to develop themes for the study. The researcher considered thematic analysis to be the most effective way of undertaking the study. Different experiences of these migrant mothers in Norway were presented as themes in the study. Tables were necessary when conducting thematic analysis.

Limitations

It is necessary to highlight the limitations of the study at this stage of the report. One of the main limitations encountered was the inability to have a sample that accurately represented the entire population of the study group. It is estimated that the largest immigrant group in Norway is Ukrainians, especially after the Russian inversion (Hiitola et al., 2020). The researcher decided not to reach out to the Ukrainian or Polish immigrants, although they form some of the largest groups of migrants in the country.

The sample size may also be considered to be relatively small, given that only 8 individuals were involved. The time available for the study, the process that it took to interview an individual, and the process that it took to find immigrants who meet the set criteria forced the researcher to use a small sample size. For instance, most of the Ukrainians in the country came to Norway less than 9 months ago, which meant that they did not meet the inclusion criteria.

There is always the need to generalize the findings to the entire population. In this context, the challenges and opportunities that these participants identify should be a true reflection of what all migrant mothers go through in Norway. However, it is important to note that the experience may be worse for a certain group of migrants and better for another.

For instance, migrants who cannot communicate in Norwegian and Sami languages, which are the official languages in the country, may face numerous challenges. The fact that an overwhelming majority of the Norwegians are Christians also means that Muslim migrants may find it a little more challenging to adapt to the local socio-cultural system. The uniqueness of the migrants limited the ability to generalize the outcome to the entire population of migrants. Despite these challenges, it is necessary to note that the main themes that emerged captured the experience of migrant mothers in Norway.

Ethical Considerations

When conducting research, it is essential to take into consideration various ethical concerns. One of the most important ethical considerations is the need to obtain consent from the targeted population and relevant individuals. When data is collected from employees of a specific organization, Flick (2020) argues that it is necessary to get the consent of the management of that institution.

In this study, it was not necessary to get the consent of any institution because the targeted individuals were expected to participate in the study in their capacities. However, the researcher was required to get the consent of these individual participants. Once they were identified, the researcher contacted them individually and explained the aim of the study. They were informed about the benefits of the research and the reasons why they were selected to take part in the investigation.

Only those who agreed to be part of the research were included in the final sample. Those who expressed reservations about the research or stated that they could not participate in the study for one reason or another were left out. A consent form is attached in the appendices of this document as Appendix 2.

The privacy of the participants is another critical ethical requirement that had to be considered in the study. According to Islam et al. (2022), some issues may be so emotive that an individual may be targeted if their views are considered contrary to that of the majority or those who are in a position of power. Immigrants tend to feel vulnerable because they are the minority, and their residency may be terminated for various reasons. As such, they often avoid anything that may give them a negative image. Stating that they have a negative experience in this country is one of the issues that they may not freely state for fear of repercussion. They will try to present an image that will give them a positive image.

To ensure that they felt confident enough to answer the questions freely, the participants were assured that their identities would remain anonymous. Instead of using their actual names, the respondents were assigned unique identities. They were identified as Participant 1, Participant 2, and Participant 3, up to Participant 8. The unique identity meant that no one could determine the true identity of those who took part in the study. The audio recording used to collect data during the interview was also destroyed soon after transcription to limit the ability to trace the participants.

In an academic project, some specific rules and regulations have to be observed. Rezaul (2019) explains that one of the gravest mistakes in academic research is plagiarism. Different schools have different punishments for such an offense. At this institution, plagiarism is a serious offense that has to be avoided.

Plagiarism can occur in different ways, such as directly copying the whole or part of someone else’s work or having another person do the project on the student’s behalf. The researcher avoided all forms of plagiarism in the study. Information obtained from secondary sources was correctly cited using the American Psychological Association (APA 7) referencing style. The researcher also made sure that the project was completed within the time that was made available and delivered in the correct format.

Analysis and Discussion

The previous chapter explained the data sources used in this study and how primary data was obtained from the sampled participants. In this section, the researcher presents findings made from the analysis of primary data and a discussion that integrates information from both the primary and secondary data. Politano et al. (2018) argue that collecting and analyzing primary data is the best way of addressing knowledge gaps identified during the literature review. It also allows a researcher to understand the current issue under investigation. In this case, it made it possible for the researcher to explain the current experience of migrant mothers living in Norway.

Data Analysis

Data obtained from primary sources was analyzed qualitatively. According to the methodology section, qualitative research was the most effective means of comprehending the experiences of migrant moms residing in Norway. It meant that participants could be allowed to explain their experience in detail, stating the opportunities and challenges they have faced individually. The researcher considered thematic analysis the most appropriate method of processing data for this project. It was necessary to address each research question in Chapter 1 of this dissertation to achieve the project’s goal.

What opportunities do migrant mothers in Norway have when they settle in the country?

The first question focused on determining the opportunities that migrant mothers living in Norway have. These are the reasons why many people migrate from their home country to come and live in Norway. All the respondents involved in the study are migrant mothers who have lived in Norway for some time and, as such, have the capacity to talk about the opportunities that migrant mothers have in this country. Table 4.1 below identifies themes that emerged from analyzing the quotations obtained from these participants.

Table 4.1. Positive Experiences.

What are the challenges that migrant mothers in Norway are faced with when they settle in Norway?

The researcher was also focused on determining the challenges that migrant mothers face while living in Norway. When reviewing the literature, it emerged that these mothers go through various challenges, primarily because this is a new country. As migrant mothers who have stayed in Norway for some time, they could state these challenges. Table 4.2 below shows the challenges, associated experiences presented as themes, and direct quotations from the respondents supporting these ideas.

Negative Experiences

The researcher was interested in determining how the experience of the migrant mothers in Norway can be enhanced. Although the overall experience for these mothers was positive, some challenges were notedthey faced some challenges. The researcher posed the question below to the respondents. Table 4.3 below shows their response.

How can the experience of migrant mothers living in Norway be improved?

Discussion

Most parts of Europe have experienced decades of socio-economic prosperity and political stability since the end of the Second World War. It explains why, besides the United States, the region is the most attractive destination for migrants from different parts of the world. In Norway, the economic prosperity, high human development index, and a system that is tolerant of diversity have made it attractive to many migrants (Ślusarczyk et al., 2018).

Many people coming to this country are driven by the desire to get better employment and enjoy the amenities that the country has to offer. Migrant mothers have come to look for better employment opportunities. Although some were forced out of their country of birth because of insecurity, persecution, and natural calamities, they prioritized Norway as their preferred destination because of the opportunities that it offers.

The analysis of the experience of migrant mothers living in Norway reveals that they are happy. Vaughn et al. (2020) explain that part of the reason why these parents feel happy and satisfied is because of their ability to meet their needs and those of their children. It is easy to secure stable employment in this country, unlike in most developing nations in Africa and parts of Asia. High standards of education, healthcare, transport, security, and housing are the other factors that make life for these migrant mothers satisfying (Hiitola et al., 2020).

It has also emerged that Norway has a culture of tolerance, which many of these migrants find accommodating. It is not common for one to be discriminated against on the basis of their gender or sexual orientation. Cases of racial or religious discrimination are also rare. It is less likely for an individual to be arrested for freely expressing their opinion as long as they do not break the law or disturb public peace.

It is important to note that although the overall experience of these migrant mothers was positive, there were a few issues that negatively affected their stay in Norway. One of the issues that emerged based on the analysis of primary data was the high cost of living. In this country, the cost of housing is higher than that in the United States and many other developed economies (Kandala & Komba, 2018).

Similarly, the cost of foodstuffs and other basic needs is significantly high. These migrant mothers found it difficult to adjust to such an environment. It was a major challenge to the migrant mothers in their initial years before they could secure employment to meet their needs.

The analysis of primary data and the review of the literature revealed that these migrant mothers found the parenting style in Norway significantly different from what they were accustomed to in their home country. In Norway, parents are not permitted to use corporal punishment to discipline their children because it is considered an assault. They have to use alternative methods, especially communicating with their kids, as a way of guiding them.

The migrants also learned that just as they were allowed to enjoy their liberties, they were also required to respect the liberty of others. It meant that they were not allowed to discriminate against anyone based on their sexual orientation (Singh et al., 2020). The primary data analysis strongly suggests that before coming to this country, one should have adequate information about what to expect. Some of these respondents indicated that misplaced expectations were the primary reason why they faced some challenges in their initial stay in the country.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Summary

Migrant mothers living in Norway have both positive and negative experiences because of a number of reasons that have been discussed in this paper. The various opportunities that this country presents to them have been associated with positive experiences. Thematic analysis indicates that one of the experiences is a sense of pride among these migrant mothers. The fact that they can meet the needs of their families made them feel proud.

These mothers could not find stable and well-paying jobs in their home country. However, soon after moving to this country, they secured a job and became financially independent. They felt that, finally, they could be useful to themselves and society at large.

Satisfaction was another experience that emerged during the analysis of primary data. Some of these migrant mothers are from struggling economies in the Middle East. They explained that back at home, access to quality medical care was a preserve for the rich. They noted that the political class and the rich would travel out of the country to receive specialized medication.

However, the situation is different in Norway. Both public and private hospitals are fully equipped and properly staffed. The migrant mothers also explained that they are satisfied with the quality of education in this country. The government has set high standards that have to be observed by both public and private learning institutions. They felt that upon graduating from the local institutions of higher learning, their children would be able to secure employment in any country around the world.

Confidence emerged as an experience that migrant mothers have while living and working in the country. These mothers noted that they are confident that their safety and the safety of their children will be guaranteed at school, at work, and at home. The country is considered one of the safest in the world, and the criminal justice and law enforcement systems are highly effective. Their confidence also arises from the fact that they can easily secure employment whenever they need it. Unlike in their home country, where securing a job is a major challenge, Norway presents them with a wide range of opportunities. They can resign from one company and get a job in another firm after a relatively short period.

Happiness was an overriding experience that the majority of the respondents reported. These respondents explained that there were many reasons why they chose to leave their country of birth to travel to Norway. Some did so because they were escaping persecution or general insecurity that was caused by civil war or acts of extremism. They found the peace, tranquility, and security that they were looking for in Norway.

Others noted that their primary reason for moving to Norway was to get employment opportunities. These individuals reported that the country has offered them the opportunity to be self-reliant economically. The happiness was derived from the fact that they were able to realize their goals, which made them travel to this country.

Despite the positive experiences that were noted, as discussed above, these migrant mothers also had a few negative experiences. A sense of guilt was attributed to their inability to meet some of their financial needs, especially during the initial years of their stay in this country. They noted that they were unable to offer their children some of their needs because they were struggling to meet basic needs. The sense of guilt was also attributed to a sudden change in parenting style in this country. Some noted that they felt guilty about their old parenting style, which included the use of corporal punishment as a means of correcting the child.

Blame was another experience that some of the participants had. They explained that they had very high and almost unrealistic expectations when coming to this country. They had particularly failed to take into consideration the cost of living in the country. As such, most of the financial promises that they had made to their family members back home could not be met.

Such failures also led to a sense of remorse. They felt that they had failed their loved ones by being unable to meet their expectations and honor the promises made. Despite these negative experiences, the overriding experience for these migrant mothers was positive. Other than the homesickness, which became less severe with time, these parents felt that they made the right decision to move from their home country to live in Norway.

Recommendation for Practice

The findings made in this study show that Norway remains one of the most attractive destinations for migrants coming from different parts of the world. Based on the experience of migrant mothers who took part in this study and the review of the literature conducted, it is necessary for those planning to come to live in this country to take into consideration the following recommendations:

• Proper financial planning is critical before traveling to Norway. The cost of living is significantly high in the country, and without a proper financial plan, it may be frustrating for the immigrant, especially in the initial days before securing a job.
• It is important to have a close social circle before coming to the country or soon after arrival. Having close friends in Norway and living close to them may be helpful in quickly securing a job, understanding the local systems, and fighting loneliness in the new country.
• When living in Norway, one needs to understand and embrace the social and legal systems in the country to avoid facing legal problems. For instance, discrimination along the lines of sexual orientation is forbidden in the country.
• Migrant mothers need to understand the acceptable parenting style in this country. They should understand that the use of corporal punishment and other extreme disciplinary measures against their children is not acceptable in this country.

Recommendation for Further Studies

Future scholars are expected to be interested in furthering their knowledge in this field. As migration into this country is on the rise, the socio-cultural environment of Norway may experience a shift, and the experience may change with time. The researcher recommends that future scholars should conduct further investigation on the following:

• To investigate the impact of increasing migration on the experience of migrant mothers in Norway.
• To investigate the benefits of close social units for migrant mothers living in Norway.
• To explore the impact of increasing immigration on Norway’s socio-cultural and economic fabric over the past decade.

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Appendices

Appendix 1: Research Questionnaire

The Experience of Migrant Mothers Living in Norway

Dear Sir/Madam,

It is with humility that I invite you to take part in this study that focuses on investigating the experience of migrant mothers living in Norway. Literature shows that these mothers are exposed to a wide range of opportunities while at the same time facing challenges that affect the quality of life that they have in the country. As a migrant mother who is currently living in Norway, kindly answer the questions below to the best of your knowledge to shed light into the experience that these mothers have.

Part 1: Demographical Background of Participants

• What is your age group based on the list below
  • 18-25 Years;
  • 26-34 Years;
  • 35-44 Years;
  • 45-54 Years;
  • Over 54 Years.
• What is your nationality?
  • Kindly state your nationality _____________
• Irrespective of the gender assigned as birth, do you consider yourself female?
  • Yes.
  • No.

Part 2: Academic Background and Experience of the Participants

• What is your highest academic qualification based on the list below?
  • High school certificate;
  • College diploma;
  • Bachelor’s degree;
  • Master’s degree;
  • Doctorate degree;
  • Other (kindly specify).
• Kindly select the number of children that you are living with in Norway
  • 1 child;
  • 2 children;
  • 3 children;
  • More than 3 children.
• How long have you been living in Norway?
  • Less than a years;
  • 1-2 years;
  • 3-6 years;
  • 7-10 years;
  • Over 10 years;
• Are you currently in a gainful employment in this country?
  • Yes;
  • No;
• What is your current position at your firm? (Only meant for those who are currently working in Norway)
  • A top managerial position;
  • A middle-management position;
  • A junior managerial position;
  • Non-managerial position.

Part 3: The Experience of Migrant Mothers Living in Norway

1. What are some of the opportunities that migrant mothers may have when living in Norway? (Kindly provide a short explanation).
2. What are the main challenges that these migrant mothers face when living in Norway? (Kindly provide a short explanation).
3. Is Norway a racist nation that makes it impossible for people of color to achieve economic success? (Kindly provide a short explanation).
4. Were you aware of the unique opportunities and challenges that migrant mothers in Norway are presented with before coming to the country?
5. What were some of the expectations that you had about the country before your migration and were they met upon your arrival?
6. What were the fears that you had before coming to the country, and did you face them?
7. What are some of the specific parental responsibilities that migrant mothers in Norway cannot ignore? (Kindly list them).
8. How can a migrant mother in Norway overcome the challenges listed in question 2 above? (Kindly provide a short explanation).
9. What is the role of religion in the life of a migrant mother in Norway? (Kindly provide a short explanation).
10. What advice would you offer to mothers who are interested in migrating and living in Norway?

Thank you for taking your time to be part of this study.

Appendix 2: Consent Form

I am conducting a study that focuses on determining the experience of migrant mothers living in Norway. You have been selected to take part in this study because you have been living in this country long enough as a migrant mother to provide informed opinion about the issue being investigated. Kindly go through this document and feel free to ask any question before you can give your consent to be part of the study.

Procedure

If you agree to be part of the study, you and the researcher will identify a day that you find appropriate for the interview to be conducted. The interview will be a face-to-face session that should last about 30 minutes or less. The researcher will use an audio recorder during the interview to collect data. The audio tapes will then be destroyed as soon as the voice records have been transcribed.

The Voluntary Nature of Participation

You will be participating in this study voluntarily. It means that if you find the procedure or manner of data collection unacceptable, you can refuse to give the consent. You may also have a personal reason that makes you feel uncomfortable being part of this investigation. In some cases, an emergency may arise that makes it impossible to be part of the participants. For whichever reason that you may find relevant, you can withdraw from the study.

Privacy

In this study, your identity will remain anonymous. Instead of using your actual names, the researcher will assign participant a unique identity. You will be identified as Participant 1, Participant 2, or Participant 8. The destruction of the audio records after transcription is meant to further limit the ability of anyone to determine the identity of the participants.

Consent

I __________________________________ give my consent to be part of this study after reading and understanding the nature of it and how it will be conducted.

Signature of the participant ______________________

Signature of the interviewer_______________________

Date of Consent ____________________

Thank you for your time.