Work Package 5 leaders
Seija Jalagin, University of Oulu, seija.jalagin@oulu.fi, +358 40 778 9021
Iida Kauhanen, University of Oulu, iida.kauhanen@oulu.fi, +358 40 556 5969
About the Research
Work package 5 approaches two-way integration by studying everyday encounters among people with diverse backgrounds. Our researchers work at the University of Oulu, the Migration Institute of Finland and Åbo Akademi University and combine expertise in history, gender studies, and social sciences. We investigate how connections to a place, known as place-attachment, influence the development of trust, a crucial aspect of integration. To understand these dynamics, our researchers use methods like ethnographic interviews and walking methodologies. Beyond academic publications, our goal is to create practical impact through training sessions, discussion events, and policy briefs.
Research Themes:
1.Trust-building and place attachment in everyday institutional encounters, focusing on long-term experiences of refugees, asylum seekers, and unaccompanied minors in Finland.
2. Place-bound social relations and the development of social (mis)trust, exploring perspectives from young people in multicultural youth centers, stay-at-home parents, ageing individuals, and the historical context of Finnish refugee policy.
Our research will offer insights into how trust and place attachment contribute to two-way integration, with implications for policy, community engagement, and social relations.
Read more about our ongoing research on the Kohtaamisia blog.
PRIMARY COLLABORATors
Our primary collaboration partners in Oulu include the Multicultural Centre Villa Victor, Oulu Museum and Science Centre, Yhdenvertainen Oulu2026, youth centers and schools, as well as the Peace Education Institute. In Turku, we collaborate with the YMCA Turku and the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare, Southwest Finland district. In the capital region, we collaborate with Familia ry and Helsinki and Vantaa Parish Union’s joint project MoniNainen-arki. Together, we aim to foster inclusive communities, enhance social trust, and contribute to the integration of diverse populations.
Researchers
Seija Jalagin, History, University of Oulu
Iida Kauhanen, Sociology of Education, University of Oulu
Joa Hiitola, Social Work, Tampere University
Saara Intonen, History, University of Oulu
Zeinab Karimi, Gender Studies, University of Oulu
Ali Ali, Åbo Akademi University
Venla Koivuluhta, History, University of Oulu
Eveliina Lyytinen, Migration Institute of Finland
Liselott Sundbäck, Social Policy, Åbo Akademi University
Elina Turjanmaa, Social Psychology, University of Eastern Finland / University of Oulu