Nordic Vietnamese Our Community in Finland Publications of the Ministry of Economic A�airs and Employment Regions • 2019:37 Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Helsinki 2019 Nordic Vietnamese Our Community in Finland Publications of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment 2019:37 Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment ISBN PDF:978-952-327-433-4 Layout: Government Administration Unit, Publications Helsinki 2019 Acknowledgements It is difficult to do justice to the topic of this study, which is far from exhaustive of the rich stock of Vietnamese settlement experience in Finland. For the valuable assistance so generously given, I am indebted to the individuals, families and members of the community who came forward to participate in the study, and who shared the fruits of their settlement experience in Finland. My particular thanks go to Le Thi My Dung and Le Xuan Binh for the field work, and to Anu Rämö for the statistics. Description sheet Published by Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment 4 June 2019 Authors Kathleen Valtonen Title of publication Nordic Vietnamese – Our Community in Finland Series and publication number Publications of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment 2019:37 Subject Regions (Integration) ISBN PDF 978-952-327-433-4 ISSN (PDF) 1797-3562 Website address (URN) http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-327-433-4 Pages 96 Language English Keywords Integration, settlement, immigration, work, employment, communities, family, Vietnam Abstract The study Nordic Vietnamese – Our Community in Finland was conducted in 2017–2018 and is a qualitative investigation that examines how the Vietnamese have fared in the 40 year period over which they have settled in Finland and have made it their second home society. The study population numbered approximately 150 persons settled in different areas and regions of Finland. They represented the age spectrum from teenage to elderly in their 70s. The range of educational levels and occupation backgrounds was wide in this cross section of the Finnish Vietnamese community. The data collection focused on main facets of settlement and integration. The key findings of the study and the related proposals have to do with the need to involve people with the same ethnic background as the integrating immigrants in reception and integration services. Furthermore, the mother tongue instruction programme should be resourced more strongly and reinforced alongside the school curricula. The number of elderly in the refugee communities is increasing. Some have come to the stage at which they would need to access serviced accommodation where it would be possible to communicate in their mother tongue, since their Finnish language skill is usually inadequate for managing independently. The above proposals would be likely to bring about considerable economic saving in the settlement and integration services. They would help to avoid long-term settlement problems and more costly interventions. Furthermore, the life quality and integration experience of settling families and individuals would benefit. Contact person at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment: Anne Alitolppa-Niitamo, Tel. +358 29 50 47688 Publisher Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment Distributed by/ publication sales Electronic version: julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi Publication sales: julkaisutilaukset.valtioneuvosto.fi http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-327-433-4 http://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi julkaisutilaukset.valtioneuvosto.fi Kuvailulehti Julkaisija Työ- ja elinkeinoministeriö 4.6.2019 Tekijät Kathleen Valtonen Julkaisun nimi Vietnamilaisten yhteisö Suomessa Julkaisusarjan nimi ja numero Työ- ja elinkeinoministeriön julkaisuja 2019:37 Teema Alueet (kotouttaminen) ISBN PDF 978-952-327-433-4 ISSN PDF 1797-3562 URN-osoite http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-327-433-4 Sivumäärä 96 Kieli englanti Asiasanat Kotouttaminen, kotoutuminen, maahanmuutto, työ, työllistyminen, yhteisöt, perhe, Vietnam Tiivistelmä Vietnamilaisten yhteisö Suomessa -tutkimus tehtiin vuosina 2017–2018. Tässä laadullisessa tutkimuksessa selvitettiin miten Suomeen saapuneet vietnamilaiset ovat 40 vuoden kuluessa asettautuneet ja kotoutuneet Suomeen ja tehneet Suomesta toisen kotimaansa. Tutkimusta varten haastateltiin noin 150 eri puolella Suomea asuvaa henkilöä. Haastateltavien ikäjakauma oli teini-ikäisistä yli 70-vuotiaisiin. Tutkimuksen kohteena olevien Suomen vietnamilaisten koulutustaso ja ammatillinen tausta oli hyvin vaihteleva. Tiedonkeruussa keskityttiin asettautumisen ja kotoutumisen kannalta keskeisiin tekijöihin. Tutkimuksen keskeiset tulokset ja ehdotukset liittyvät tarpeeseen ottaa kotoutujien kanssa samaa etnistä kulttuuritaustaa edustavia mukaan työskentelemään vastaanotto- ja kotouttamispalveluissa. Lisäksi äidinkielen opetukseen pitäisi ohjata enemmän resursseja ja vahvistaa sen asemaa opetussuunnitelmassa. Ikääntyneiden osuus pakolaisyhteisöissä kasvaa. Osalla olisi jo tarvetta palveluasumiseen, jossa voisi kommunikoida omalla äidinkielellä, koska monilla iäkkäillä suomen kielen taito ei riitä itsenäiseen pärjäämiseen. Edellä mainitut ehdotukset voisivat tuoda merkittäviä säästöjä kotouttamispalveluissa. Niiden avulla voitaisiin ehkäistä pitkän aikavälin ongelmia ja siten välttyä kalliimmilta väliintuloilta. Lisäksi toimet parantaisivat perheiden ja yksilöiden elämänlaatua ja kotoutumiskokemusta. Työ- ja elinkeinoministeriön yhteyshenkilö: Anne Alitolppa-Niitamo, puh. +358 29 50 47688 Kustantaja Työ- ja elinkeinoministeriö Julkaisun jakaja/myynti Sähköinen versio: julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi Julkaisumyynti: julkaisutilaukset.valtioneuvosto.fi http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-327-433-4 julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi http://julkaisutilaukset.valtioneuvosto.fi Presentationsblad Utgivare Arbets- och näringsministeriet 4.6.2019 Författare Kathleen Valtonen Publikationens titel Vietnameser i Norden vårt folk i Finland Publikationsseriens namn och nummer Arbets- och näringsministeriets publikationer 2019:37 Tema Regionerna (Integration) ISBN PDF 978-952-327-433-4 ISSN PDF 1797-3562 URN-adress http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-327-433-4 Sidantal 96 Språk engelska Nyckelord Integration, invandring, arbete, anställning, folkgrupper, familj, Vietnam Referat Undersökningen Vietnameser i Norden – vårt folk i Finland utfördes 2017–2018 som en kvalitativ studie med syftet att utreda hur det har gått för de vietnameser som har bosatt sig i Finland un- der de senaste 40 åren och för vilka Finland har blivit ett andra hem. Undersökningspopulationen omfattade ca 150 personer bosatta i Finlands olika områden och regioner. De representerade åldrarna omfattade från tonåren till 70-årsåldern. Olika utbildningsnivåer och yrkesbakgrunder var brett representerade i detta tvärsnitt av den vietnamesiska befolkningen i Finland. Datan som samlades handlade om de viktigaste frågorna kring bosättning och integration. Undersökningens främsta iakttagelser och förslag handlar om behovet av att personer med sam- ma etniska bakgrund som de människogrupper som tas emot tas med som en del av arbetskraf- ten inom mottagnings- och integrationstjänsterna. Vidare behövs det större resurser för mo- dersmålsundervisningen och denna bör få en starkare roll jämsides med skolornas läroplaner. Andelen äldre människor i flyktingsamhällena ökar. Vissa har nått en så hög ålder att de behöver serviceboende men på ett ställe där de skulle få kommunicera på sitt modersmål, eftersom deras kunskaper i finska i allmänhet är otillräckliga för att de ska kunna klara sig på egen hand. Förslagen ovan skulle sannolikt ge avsevärda ekonomiska inbesparingar i mottagnings- och inte- grationstjänsterna. De skulle bidra till att stävja långsiktiga mottagningsproblem och dyrare inter- ventioner. Även livskvaliteten och integrationen som erfarenhet för de familjer och individer som bosätter sig här skulle bli bättre. Kontaktperson vid arbets- och näringsministeriet: Anne Alitolppa-Niitamo, tfn +358 29 50 47688 Förläggare Arbets- och näringsministeriet Distribution/ beställningar Elektronisk version: julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi Beställningar: julkaisutilaukset.valtioneuvosto.fi http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-327-433-4 julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi http://julkaisutilaukset.valtioneuvosto.fi Contents Foreword ......................................................................................................................................................... 9 Esipuhe ............................................................................................................................................................. 11 Abstract ............................................................................................................................................................ 13 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 15 2 Methodology ............................................................................................................................................... 20 3 The context of settlement ............................................................................................................. 23 Finland as a ‘new gateway’.................................................................................................................................. 23 Expressing gratitude.................................................................................................................................................. 24 Resettlement goals...................................................................................................................................................... 25 Refugee reception and the sphere of the welfare State ....................................................... 26 The vulnerable................................................................................................................................................................. 27 4 Priorities in settlement ..................................................................................................................... 29 Cultural dimensions – the traditional extended family model....................................... 29 Work and remittances.............................................................................................................................................. 30 The practical quality of living – back to basics................................................................................ 31 The fundamentals of managing – initiative, an enterprising disposition, contacts and links with Finnish people, being ‘active’............................................................. 34 Thrift ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 34 Challenges and problems ................................................................................................................................... 35 5 Social interaction .................................................................................................................................... 39 The importance of social interaction........................................................................................................ 39 Interaction with Finns, in the neighbourhood and workplaces ................................... 40 Contact with Vietnam and visiting.............................................................................................................. 41 Transnational families............................................................................................................................................... 42 6 Employment ................................................................................................................................................. 44 The Vietnamese in the labour market...................................................................................................... 45 Working philosophies............................................................................................................................................... 46 Long, continuous employment ..................................................................................................................... 47 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND Traditional occupations in Vietnam............................................................................................................ 48 Employment in the younger generations: 1 ½, second and third............................... 49 The nature of some personal choices....................................................................................................... 50 Educated and qualified in Vietnam............................................................................................................. 51 Those whose labour market links break................................................................................................ 52 General observations on immigrant employment..................................................................... 53 7 The Vietnamese Family and its evolution ......................................................................... 55 Families’ ties of interdependence................................................................................................................. 56 Socialization........................................................................................................................................................................ 57 Cultural model of socialization........................................................................................................................ 58 Youth ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 61 8 Family dynamics, cultural coping and social services ............................................ 64 Problems facing the family.................................................................................................................................. 64 Need for Vietnamese workers in settlement social services ............................................ 66 The importance of a family approach ..................................................................................................... 68 9 Community, culture and solidarity ......................................................................................... 69 Community organisation...................................................................................................................................... 69 The elderly in the community.......................................................................................................................... 71 Religion .................................................................................................................................................................................. 72 Community diversity................................................................................................................................................. 73 Vietnamese relatives in the context of labour migration..................................................... 73 Domestic Migration.................................................................................................................................................... 74 10 Closing observations and summary ........................................................................................ 76 11 Proposals for Policy ............................................................................................................................... 83 Bibliography ........................................................................................................................................................... 90 Appendix 1. Statistical Information......................................................................................................................... 91 Appendix 2. UNHCR nine internationally accepted goals for integration of resettled refugees............................................................................................................................................................... 92 Appendix 3. Definitions....................................................................................................................................................... 93 Endnotes ..................................................................................................................................................................... 95 9 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND F O R E W O R D The first Vietnamese refugees, or ‘boat refugees’ as they were called at the time, arrived in Finland in the late 1970s – early 1980s, in other words 40 years ago. They were Finland’s first quota refugees. They were also among the first minority groups in Finland ethnically distinctive from the general population. Their language, culture, parenting style and prejudices toward them – these presented new challenges for Finland’s social system and services, too. The Vietnamese refugees were not a homogeneous group; they spoke different languages, and had different religious and socioeconomic backgrounds. Nevertheless, they did have many things in common. The Vietnamese culture is very collective: the concept of family is much wider, and responsibility of care stretches far beyond the core family. This qualitative study explored the settlement and integration processes of Vietnamese refugees as they made Finland their new home. The study focused on factors that contributed to the integration of the Vietnamese who arrived in Finland as ‘boat refugees’ and their children. Such factors included family and its significance for the socialization process of young people, employment, social relationships and interaction, and cultural adaptation. The study is is primarily based on group interviews with Vietnamese people living in different parts of Finland. In total, 149 people were interviewed. The interviews were conducted in Pietarsaari, Tampere, Helsinki, Sipoo, Turku, Littoinen and Lieto. The study group included mostly people with Vietnamese background who had immigrated in the end of 1980's or later, or who were born in Finland. 10 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND The situation of the Vietnamese people living in Finland provides an interesting opportunity to examine intergenerational integration. Which factors were considered important? Which things facilitated the adjustment to a strange culture? What things were considered challenging? What do they think of their life now? How did the second and third generation integrate in Finland? Addressing these issues is important in order to benefit from previous experiences in the integration of immigrants. Key findings of this study include the importance of family-focused integration and parenting support in the new environment. I would like to thank Doctor Kathleen Valtonen for conducting the study. Paula Karjalainen, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment 11 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND E S I P U H E Ensimmäiset vietnamilaiset, ns. venepakolaiset, saapuivat Suomeen 1970–1980-lu- vun vaihteessa eli 40 vuotta sitten. Vietnamilaiset olivat Suomen ensimmäisiä kiin- tiöpakolaisia. He olivat myös ensimmäisiä selvästi etnisesti erottuvia maahanmuut- tajavähemmistöjä Suomessa. Kieli, kulttuuri, lastenkasvatus, heihin kohdentuneet ennakkoluulot – monet tekijät tuottivat uudenlaisia haasteita myös Suomen yhteis- kuntajärjestelmälle ja palveluille. Suomeen saapuneet vietnamilaiset eivät olleet kuitenkaan yhtenäinen ryhmä, vaan he poikkesivat toisistaan niin kieleltään, uskonnoltaan kuin sosioekonomiselta taus- taltaan. Siitä huolimatta heillä oli myös monia yhdistäviä tekijöitä. Vietnamilaisten kulttuuri on hyvin kollektiivinen, perhekäsitys on laajempi, ja huolenpito- ja hoiva- vastuu yltää pitkälti yli ydinperheen. Tässä laadullisessa tutkimuksessa on selvitetty, miten Suomeen saapuneet vietna- milaiset ovat asettautuneet ja kotoutuneet Suomeen, tehneet Suomesta toisen ko- timaansa. Tutkimuksessa tarkastellaan erityisesti tekijöitä, jotka vaikuttivat venepa- kolaisina Suomeen saapuneiden vietnamilaisten ja heidän lastensa kotoutumiseen, kuten perhe-elämää ja sen merkitystä erityisesti nuorten sosiaalistumiseen, työlli- syyttä, sosiaalisia suhteita ja vuorovaikutusta sekä kulttuurista sopeutumista. Tutkimus perustuu pääosin Suomessa eri alueilla asuvien vietnamilaisten ryhmä- haastatteluihin. Kaikkiaan haastatteluihin osallistui 149 henkilöä. Haastattelut toteu- tettiin Pietarsaaressa, Tampereella, Helsingissä, Sipoossa, Turussa, Littoisissa ja Lie- dossa. Tutkimusryhmä koostui pääasiassa 1980-luvun lopulla tai myöhemmin Suo- meen muuttaneista tai Suomessa syntyneistä vietnamilaistaustaisista henkilöistä. 12 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND Suomessa asuvien vietnamilaisten tilanne antaa mielenkiintoisen mahdollisuuden ylisukupolvisen kotoutumisen tarkasteluun. Mitkä tekijät koettiin tärkeinä? Mitkä edesauttoivat sopeutumista vieraaseen kulttuuriin? Minkälaiset asiat olivat haasta- via? Miten he näkevät tilanteensa nyt? Miten toinen ja kolmas sukupolvi on kotou- tunut Suomeen? Tällainen tarkastelu on tärkeää, jotta voimme hyödyntää aiempia kokemuksia kotouttamisen kehittämisessä. Esimerkiksi perhelähtöisen kotoutumi- sen merkitys ja vanhemmuuden tukeminen uudessa ympäristössä nousevat tämän tutkimuksen keskeisiksi huomioiksi. Kiitokset VTT Kathleen Valtoselle tutkimuksen toteutuksesta. Paula Karjalainen, neuvotteleva virkamies, työ- ja elinkeinoministeriö 13 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND Abstract The present study was conducted in 2017–2018 and is a qualitative investigation that examines how the Vietnamese have fared in the 40 year period over which they have settled in Finland and have made it their second home society. It has thus a strong longitudinal focus. The study is conducted under the auspices of the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, Immigrant Integration. The study population numbered approximately 150 persons settled in different areas and regions of Finland. They represented the age spectrum from teenage to elderly in their 70s. The range of educational levels and occupation backgrounds was wide in this cross section of the Finnish Vietnamese community. The data collection focused on main facets of settlement and integration. These included employment, social relationships and interaction, family life and roles, the second generation, life quality aspects and individuals’ perspectives on their integration experiences. The chief findings and proposals related to 1. The need to involve people with the same ethnic background as the integrating immigrants in reception and integration services. 2. Furthermore, the mother tongue instruction programme should be resourced more strongly and reinforced alongside the school curricula. Grave problem situations can arise and have arisen when youth gradually lose their mother tongue and communication lines with parents possessing weak Finnish language skills are broken. 14 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND 3. The number of elderly in the refugee communities is increasing. Some have come to the stage at which they would need to access serviced accommodation where it would be possible to communicate in their mother tongue, since their Finnish language skill is usually inadequate for managing independently. This would entail, for example, revisiting staffing options that include Vietnamese speaking worker/s or adjusting accommodation patterns to enable elders to access service in their mother tongue. The above proposals would be likely to bring about considerable economic saving in the settlement and integration services. They would help to avoid long-term settlement problems and more costly interventions. Furthermore, the life quality and integration experience of settling families and individuals would benefit. The complete list of proposals can be found at the end of the text. 15 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND 1 Introduction The Finnish Vietnamese community has become part of our society. We have grown accustomed to interact with them in their many roles in social and economic life. While the experiences of their flight from war-torn Vietnam have become part of the past, the first generation cannot forget the dangerous and often tragic sea journeys that were undertaken in the quest for survival and safety for themselves and their families. The Finnish Vietnamese who left and risked their lives in small boats in the 1980s were a part of the so-called Third Wave of Vietnamese refugees who fled societal upheaval and repression in the aftermath of long decades of civil war. Their experience had many of the unfortunate elements that characterize the humanitarian crises in the Mediterranean today. The Vietnamese refugee population can be seen in the global context of forced migration. It is estimated that 68.5 million persons worldwide have been forcibly displaced as a direct result of persecution, conflict, or generalized violence. The more recent increase in the numbers of forcibly displaced are related to the Syrian conflict (especially between 2012 and 2015), as well as to conflict in Iraq, Yemen and Sub-Saharan Africa. Refugees number 25.4 million as part of the forcibly displaced populations. Of these 19.9 million are under the UNHCR’s mandate. It is the developing regions of the world which host 85 per cent of the world’s refugees under UNHCR’s mandate, which amounts to approximately 16.9 million people. The least developed countries provide asylum to one-third of the global total (6.7 million refugees). The forcibly displaced include 3.1 million asylum seekers, and 40 million Internally Displaced People (IDPs). Internally Displaced Persons are people or groups of people who have been forced to leave their homes or places of habitual residence as a result of, or in order to avoid the effects of armed conflict, situations of 16 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND generalized violence, violations of human rights, or natural or man-made disasters, and who have not crossed an international border (UNHCR 2017; Ferris 2017). In Finland it is now 40 years since the first Vietnamese groups arrived here to settle and to re-build their lives and that of their families. They were accepted from the midway camps in Southeast Asia (e.g. Panat Nhikom inThailand, Pulao Bidong in Malaysia and camps in Hong Kong). They came through the Orderly Departure Programme of the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). The Vietnamese ‘boat refugees’ were the first group to come to settle here under the so-called Quota system. As a Third Country of resettlement1 , Finland receives quota refugees annually. This arrangement is firmly established as one of its roles in the international regime of protection. Since the mid 1980s, Finland’s Third Country resettlement programme has brought annual refugee quotas from war-torn regions of the world. The Vietnamese preceded other quota refugee groups, such as the Somalis, Iranians, Kurds, Iraqis, Bosnians, to name a few of the early cohorts. In 2017 in Finland there were 10,817 people of Vietnamese background. Persons of Vietnamese background are those whose both parents or the only known parent have been born in Vietnam. This figure includes those who came as refugees, as well as others who arrived under different migration classes such as workers, spouses, students, for example. 5603 individuals had Vietnamese citizenship in the same year. 9,872 individuals’ mother tongue was Vietnamese in 2017 and those born in Vietnam numbered 8,012 (Statistics Finland). The aim of the present study is to examine how the Vietnamese have fared in the 40 year period over which they have settled in Finland and have made it their second home society. The study is conducted under the auspices of the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, Immigrant Integration. In examining the settlement and integration of the Vietnamese community, the study explores their endeavours to participate in the different spheres of life in Finland and to become full members of the society. Focus is directed to the key aspects of integration such as family life and its tasks in acculturation and socialization of youth, labour market participation, social relations and interaction, 17 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND and cultural adaptation. The interest here is in the processes and experiences of their adaptation to a second homeland, and in their present situation with respect to participating in the private and the public spheres of societal life. The study is based on qualitative data and seeks to bring to light aspects of integration which do not emerge from statistical data. Finland’s more recent ethnocultural diversity began with groups arriving in a strongly humanitarian context. Its diversity is quite distinct in that labour migration is not a strong feature of immigration policy. Labour migration however is currently being considered and debated as one potential solution to the more recent deficits in labour force. Previous to the inception of annual refugee quota reception in the latter 1980s, in-migration in Finland was very low for nearly half a century. On the other hand, there was high out-migration to Sweden in the 1960s and 1970s2 when Finns left to find employment opportunities in neighbouring Sweden (see Korkiasaari and Söderling 2003). Thus the cultural environment met by the early refugee groups was not ethnoculturally diverse. This factor has to be taken into consideration when scrutinizing how ethnic and social relations have evolved over the recent decades. Although the foreign-born form but 6.8 % of the population3, they feature a wide diversity as to ethnocultural roots. The geographic settlement of resettling refugees has been shaped by the principle that municipalities participate in resettling refugees on a voluntary basis. Those municipalities which receive refugees are responsible for the provision of orientation and reception services, such as for example, housing, social and health services, language instruction, education and labour market services. The State subsidizes the costs of service provision. In one sense, employment has been generated in the social services and in the resettlement service sector. This is more pronounced especially in the centres, including urban centres, where larger numbers have been received. The pattern of spatial settlement across the country is uneven, guided by the geographic location of the municipalities willing to participate in the resettlement programme. This system materialized into a de facto residential ‘dispersal’ model of settlement (see Dunn (1998; Lanphier 1983). It should be noted that this model was not aimed at cultural assimilation. In the early years, the much smaller numbers in communities settled in outlying areas was a source of distress for some of its members. Yet in time, the social links and welcoming overtures of the locals and the 18 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND ready support of workers from the social settlement services became an important and lasting aspect of their early years. Gradually the larger population centres and cities have drawn a many of those who were initially settled in smaller municipalities. Growing familiarity with the social conditions allowed and continues to allow individuals and families to make independent choices regarding their place of residence. Domestic migration is discussed later in Chapter 8 on Community. Although this aspect has generally receded into the background, the Vietnamese, like other refugee groups from southern climates, faced a sharp transition in adjusting to the Nordic climate. It is interesting to recall some of the work written around the time of arrival of the early cohorts of Vietnamese. Beach and Ragwald’s (1982) writing was entitled “A New Wave on a Northern Shore: The Indochinese Refugees in Sweden’, and Louis-Jacques Dorais, Lise Pilon-Le, Nguyen Huy (1987), writing of a Vietnamese community in Canada, entitled their book, ‘Exile in a Cold Land’! The title of this report is selected in the same tradition. Depending on their original circumstances, learning experiences for some of the individuals and families could also include adjustments requiring a shift from rural Vietnam to urban environments in Finland, or from traditional occupations to a ‘modern’ labour market structure. For a part of the community, learning Finnish and becoming fluent enough in order to communicate, was an outstanding challenge. This study initiative was well received in the community. The project was seen as an indication of wider interest in the life of Finnish Vietnamese, their encounters in the ‘new’ environment, and how they have coped with settlement processes. Indeed the study was driven by community energies and synergies in the field. The study also takes place at a strategic time. It garners the fruits of reflection as families, individuals and the community revisited the challenges encountered, as well as the experiences and knowledge accumulated within the 40 year period of settlement in Finnish society. Their longitudinal experience of settlement tells of an evolving course of adaptation in many areas in the public and private spheres of life. 19 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND The data collection also looked at how settlement services responded to the needs of settling persons and families. From a policy perspective, the information on their engagement with reception and settlement services can provide useful feedback on the settlement service system. This component of the data gives an opportunity to understand how integration-aimed service mechanisms were experienced and utilized. The insights gained from the community should be of use to service development and have relevance for an ethnoculturally evolving society like Finland. 20 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND 2 Methodology The study was conducted in 2017-2018, and is a qualitative investigation that is combined with a brief section on relevant statistics. The findings explore and open up aspects and processes which are not usually captured in statistical data. The settlement processes and outcomes under scrutiny have been evolving over three decades, which builds a strong longitudinal dimension into the findings. Participants willingly contributed their settlement expertise to the study. Indeed a crucial role was played by the community and its representatives during the different phases of the study. The choice of the themes featuring in the data collection protocol benefitted from numerous insights contributed by persons possessing long experience of settlement and integration in Finland. Their input was also taken into consideration as the field work progressed, as is customary in a qualitative study. The baseline for the study was to engage the Vietnamese as subjects rather than as objects of the research. Additionally, the investigator has studied the integration of Vietnamese population during the period of over 30 years in Finland. It was sought to reach as wide a cross-section of the community as possible, within the scope of the study. The qualitative data reflects a broad range of settlement circumstances and life conditions, as well as different dimensions of the same phenomenon. Focus groups were chosen as the main form of field work. One advantage of the focus groups was that the total number of participants would be greater, thus widening the coverage of the field work. The focus groups brought together individuals and families from a sizeable geographic catchment area. For example, the Pietarsaari focus group drew persons from distances of up to 70 kilometres away, in addition to those from the nearby 21 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND environs. Similarly, the Sipoo focus group included people from Porvoo and surrounding areas. Additionally the groups comprised individuals and families who had spent early settlement years in outlying municipalities in Finland. The nature of the focus group was such that it was also a forum for participants to contemplate collectively, as well as to give personal feedback on topics. The opportunity for collective, focused discussion was appreciated as this tends to be rare. Participants in the same group were often not strangers to each other, and sometimes on very good social terms. On these occasions, the sessions were conducted in a ‘safe’ environment since people knew that they could voice their opinions freely. The group sessions proved to be a chance to bring out long standing concerns. Some of them served as a setting for disclosing and discussing openly, sensitive or troubling matters which would otherwise remain as their own private troubles. Bringing issues out for common discussion is an essential step toward addressing problematic situations. It can pave the way toward efforts to improve conditions. The concerns and insights brought out in focus groups indicated clearly that potential exists for the development of collaborative work between official service systems and the Vietnamese community/communities. There would be reason to stimulate the dialogue between the formal service system and all the refugee and immigrant communities of settlement service users. The field data was also gathered in family and individual interviews. One group discussion was held with community ‘elders’. ‘Elders’ refers to individuals who engage very fully with the wider community and are concerned with its wellbeing. These enjoy respect in their community. The assistance of two able and experienced individuals was a valuable asset to the study. The field work benefitted from their solid roots in the community, and, not least, from the networks they were able to mobilize. This collaboration was central in bridging outwards into the wider Vietnamese community. The total number of participants was 149 persons. The field work took the form of 8 focus groups, as well as family, youth and individual interviews. 22 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND Focus groups were held in Pietarsaari, Tampere, Helsinki (2), Sipoo, Turku (Varissuo), Littoinen, and Lieto. The logistics for the field work were taken as a grass roots responsibility in the community. Some volunteered their own homes as focus group venues. Two hours was the scheduled time for the sessions but these tended to extend over this scheduled period. Subjects knew that the study was part of a Public Sector effort to explore the experiences and challenges related to settlement. Statistics Appendix 1 presents statistics on various aspects of settlement and integration. A comprehensive statistical profile of the current life conditions of the Finnish Vietnamese was not within the scope of the study. Statistical information on themes of relevance to this study is available out of main institutions such as The Social Insurance Institution of Finland (KELA) and the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). However, their registry data base does not include information on foreign background (Koponen and Jokela 2015). The collection and analysis of more extensive statistical data on the Vietnamese population would call for a separate study. 23 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND 3 The context of settlement Finland as a ‘new gateway’ The refugee settlement programme introduced new features of multi-ethnicity and multiculturalism into the society. The Vietnamese were a very visible minority in the more homogeneous population. Their settlement processes run close to the majority society’s gradual accommodation to visible ethnic diversity in the population. Significant in-migration has not been a feature of Finland’s recent history, unlike in the so-called ‘old gateways’, a term coined to refer to traditional immigrant- receiving countries and cities, such as New York, for example (Waters and Jimenez (2005). In older gateways, immigration and immigrant minorities have had time to become a familiar and integral feature of the society. A larger percentage of the population is of immigrant background. ‘New gateway’ countries include, for example, Southern European countries such as Italy and Spain which were formerly countries of emigration, and now are destination countries for asylum seekers and migrants. Finland is among these, having had few non-European immigrants before the 1990s (Alghasi, Eriksen and Ghorashi, 2009). Humanitarianism is uppermost in refugee reception, and this was very much the case with the Vietnamese in Finland. The plight of the ‘boat people’ aroused the sensitivities and sympathies of the receiving population. At the same time social services and the Public Sector institutions had to make adjustments to cater for resettling groups. In countries of refugee and immigrant reception, there is also a need for confronting questions of integration and inclusion that require adjustments or even structural change in existing practices or policies in order to enable newcomers to participate fully and as fully empowered members in key 24 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND areas of social life. Structural change seeks to address the root causes of problems which hinder access to newer groups and citizens. New gateways ideally initiate in a timely way, structural measures and action to foster parity and openness of institutions to more recently arrived new members of the society. This is the underlying principle of ‘multiculturalism’. Multiculturalism is often thought of as a term to describe the characteristic of ethnocultural diversity in a society. However the multicultural model of integration, which has been adopted also in Finland, refers to the active measures in the society to bring about the inclusion of refugee and immigrant groups so that they have opportunities to function fully in mainstream society. Laissez-faire models and approaches to migrant incorporation skirt such action. The economic climate affects immigration and integration. It is well known that in times of economic prosperity, immigration is more acceptable by the main population, while in times of economic change or downturn, immigration becomes the easy mantra of populism. Populist manipulation of immigration and ethnic diversity issues directly affects the quality of integration and social relations, should no measures be taken to contain it. When immigration is politicized, immigrants find themselves in a vulnerable position in their own society. Fortunately, unlike the experiences of some of the later groups, Vietnamese did not meet populism- related domestic tensions at the time they arrived for resettlement in Finland. On the contrary, there was a high point in the national humanitarian response. Expressing gratitude Vietnamese individuals and the community do not fail to express their feeling of indebtedness to Finland for the humanitarian protection extended, and by extension, for the humanitarian principles used in selection procedures at the time. The quotas included larger families, some with physical disabilities and ‘long stayers’ in the camp. The refugees felt welcome to rebuild their lives in the new home society. 25 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND Finland’s culture might not be centred on family ties to the same degree as in Vietnamese families. As one participant observed: ‘Let me comment that Finns might not seem to put such strong weight on family bonds as we Vietnamese do. Yet Finland extends help to others, and to those in developing countries. They have great humanitarianism – taking in refugees, providing them with mother-tongue teaching ….’ Vietnamese were ready to resettle in Finland, even though the country and society were not at all familiar to them. One individual voiced the sentiments of others, saying that ‘We Vietnamese did not bring demands to our country of settlement. We came from Vietnam where basic needs are more modest than in Finland. In Finland there is good social support, fine public services and children can all benefit from schooling. We are grateful to Finland. Other groups who came later met different conditions, for many different reasons.’ Resettlement goals Although the Vietnamese came from a country reeling from decades of war and societal turmoil, they still had clear personal goals and tasks to fulfil. These were for the most part: • Finding employment and earning a livelihood • Looking after the welfare of their distant extended families • Working to build a good future for their children by fulfilling the responsibility for their socialization and future in the new environment Individuals among them also wished: • to pursue studies or train further • to be able to use competencies and acquired expertise in the new society (referring to those arriving with a strong educational background) 26 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND The goals of the refugees reflected their values and life hopes, as well as the responsibilities to be honoured toward their families in Finland as well as in Vietnam. Refugees’ and migrants’ goals are a motivating force in settlement. Nevertheless, the rate at which settlement and integration proceed depends not entirely on their individual characteristics and strengths, but also on the opportunity structure in the new home society and how they might link into it. Attitudes in the main population are important, as well as how the official policies of openness work in practice, especially in the key arena of employment. Practices on the ground have far reaching impact on the quality of integration and on the life of refugees and immigrants in the society of resettlement. Refugee reception and the sphere of the welfare State The Finnish welfare state plays a primary role in refugee and immigrant integration. The services that target the needs of quota refugee groups work in tandem with the main service provision system. The responsibility for refugee reception and settlement is formally in the province of the State, with non-State organizations contributing in different roles. These include, for example, the Red Cross and the churches. In the early phase, Vietnamese like other quota groups, encountered the wide service response, components of which have been shaped to meet their initial needs in health, social services, language training, education and labour market services. At the present time, they interface with the social welfare system as ‘ordinary’ citizens, but their perspectives tell of wider reference frames. The following are some comments from the focus groups: ‘Education is good, and free, as are services’. ‘The government uses the tax revenues for the benefit of citizens. You can see where your tax money goes’. ‘We are proud to be able to work, pay taxes and honour the duties of citizenship’ 27 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND This manifested strong trust in how Government administers its duties to citizens. The welfare state institutions, guarantees and provisions ensure social security and services universally, a sharp contrast to the conditions of precariousness previously experienced by many. In addition to the prolonged distress of war conditions in Vietnam, many of the individuals and families had had lengthy stays in refugee camps – some up to seven years awaiting resettlement to a third country. While rights might sometimes be taken for granted, for the Vietnamese who come from a very residual system, appreciation of the arrangements in their second homeland is staunch. The vulnerable The provisions that a society makes for its more vulnerable members speaks of its standards of public responsibility. Those families with a disabled member can tell of this. The father of a disabled son, who arrived as a child and is now a grown man, said: ‘The care for the disabled is so fine. The disabled person is arranged different types of support, schooling, and is treated equally. Compared with in other countries, the disabled live a happy life.’ Another type vulnerability is described: ‘My wife did not succeed in learning Finnish. She has had medical problems also, but has received support and participates in employment programmes [Government subsidized employment programmes]. A single mother of 3 children has been on disability benefits for many years. She relates how her children can go to school, and are growing up well. The health care services have made a big difference in her life. Persons in vulnerable situations interface with the safety net, and the human face of social welfare. Their experience has been positive and earns their warm praise. The welfare provisions have improved the lives and life quality of the disabled individuals, and indirectly the lives of their families. 28 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND In one family, the wife has had little schooling. She has attended several language courses but still does not know Finnish well. She fell sick some years ago, but received medical treatment, sickness benefit, and other support. In another family, the wife was diagnosed with cancer. The family will always remember how she was able to be treated in time. The welfare state features universal coverage extending to all citizens, entitling them, as its members, to the full range of social welfare, social security and services. In addition to providing social security, the welfare state is a mechanism that is inclusive of all members in the society. This aspect is well demonstrated in the cases described above. 29 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND 4 Priorities in settlement Cultural dimensions – the traditional extended family model ‘We came from a land of war and privation. Most of us went to work straight away in order to earn money for putting our lives together again, and for looking after our family and extended family’. ‘Finland is a good country with a very fine education system, everyone can get to study. We did not pursue this because we had other overriding concerns at the time’. ‘We couldn’t afford dreams at the time, only to get settled and to take any kind of work to help our families [in Vietnam]’. As can be seen from the above quotations, the Vietnamese settlement process has been influenced by the importance attached to responsibility for extended family welfare. Individuals’ duties embrace the multigenerational extended family unit in addition to their own immediate nuclear family. Members honour their responsibility for the welfare of elderly parents especially, and for that of siblings and other relatives. Due to the dire conditions in the homeland during the war and in the long aftermath, the assistance from adult children or relatives abroad has been critical to the welfare and survival of those in the homeland. Refugees who resettled in other countries managed, and often still manage their household economies with the welfare of the wider family in mind. The intervening geographic distance throws up 30 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND practical challenges but does not weaken family bonds and roles of responsibility. Thus the struggle of relatives in precarious conditions has been alleviated over distance in the extended families. In Vietnam, where the formal public system of welfare is residual4, the critical role in family welfare and wellbeing resided with the extended family. At present Finnish Vietnamese carry their responsibilities for the care of elderly parents in cooperation with the family in Vietnam. In the meantime, the circumstances of the households of many of the refugees’ families in Vietnam have become more settled, meaning that there might be less or no need of assistance from overseas relatives. However, the symbolic gestures of assistance are valued and honoured. Collective responsibility for welfare is also manifest when important and long term help and support are rendered over ‘family’ lines. Close circles and friends who are not necessarily of the same family relation, render support well over family lines. The collective contribution of individuals amounts to concerted working toward wellbeing, and has been honed to make caring possible over distance and separation. The extended family and close friendship circles both in Vietnam and in Finland all contribute in tangible and intangible ways to promote caring, welfare and wellbeing. The extended family’s central role in caring comprehensively for its members remains extant even after decades of settlement in Finland. Work and remittances ‘In the beginning all of us refugees had to assist our families in Vietnam. That is why employment was more important than studying.’ For the Vietnamese gainful employment had put them in a position to send remittances back to those in the homeland. Other refugee groups hold similar human priorities as those demonstrated among the Vietnamese. This is common among groups coming in the context of refugeedom from homelands where conditions have deteriorated. Maimbo and Ratha (2005) point out that remittances are recognised on a global scale as a pivotal mechanism for reducing the inequality between countries. The 31 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND authors emphasize the importance of remittances to relatives and families in poor and low income countries which generally have weak public services. It provides basic welfare and security to those in the homeland5. Remittances to family in the homeland have been used to meet costs of sickness, basic needs, schooling and shelter. The data here showed that notwithstanding their taxing circumstances, individuals in unemployment generally do not relinquish their traditional roles which are intertwined with collective family values. Thrift and income-stretching are standard strategies for managing in scarcity. The practical quality of living – back to basics The subjects assessed their overall impressions at this stage. For the majority, the many pluses outweigh the minuses. Yet in looking back, the difficult patches of integration surface. These experiences are looked at from a closer perspective in later sections of the study. They comprise another aspect of the settling process. The subject described how settling in a new society has been a very intensive learning undertaking. It required coming to grips with a new language, culture, and a shift of living environment which called for different livelihood skills. Settling in and becoming integrated is also the fruit of endurance. It entailed finding new friends, working simultaneously toward more immediate social and family goals, as well as long term priorities relating to basic needs across the extended family. Individuals were finding their place in Finnish society. They had come to stay. Not least, the making of new friendships shaped the experiences that build settlement. Given the wide cross section of families’ socioeconomic and education backgrounds, the majority of re-settled Vietnamese reported feeling satisfied with how their lives have taken shape, and with their current conditions, even though every family would have encountered its own problems and difficult challenges in the course of settlement. Subjects readily mentioned positive facets such as the economic stability attained in many households, the safety and security in the society, as well as services that work well. The following section features 32 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND an abundance of quotations. These have been included in order to retain the spontaneous quality of the responses. ‘We manage all right economically and the security we have is important. The services are fine. Most of us are happy here although in every family there must be some problems and challenges’. Their confidence is inspired by the fact that the peace and safety in their new home society is grounded on citizens’ honouring and abiding by the law. In the focus groups, some of the participants felt that their families were doing very well. They stated that: ‘The quality of life is good when society offers opportunities to progress and build a good life. We are contented when thinking about life in other countries. Finland is a safe country and life is safe’. ‘Finland is a peaceful and safe country. Services are good. People can enjoy their life and do not need to live under great stress’. ‘Services are good and there is work [jobs]’. On comparing with the previous situation in Vietnam, one subject wanted to point out that regardless of their socioeconomic situation, all children are entitled to education and can grow up to be independent. ‘Even children of poor families can complete higher education and gain qualifications. The education system is excellent. Were we in Vietnam our children might not have been able to complete schooling. They most likely would have earned just the minimum’. ‘The school system is marvellous. Children are arranged transportation by taxi, even through high school!’ 33 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND One of the participants brought us right ‘back to basics’: ‘Schooling is good, and free. Services work, as well as the welfare net. People do not die of hunger’. In the focus groups, in general, when participants got together they developed lively discussions around the topics, and some of the quotations reflect the processes of revisiting, rethinking and clarifying perspectives on their integration experience. Positive statements from persons in fortunate circumstances referred to, e.g., the laws, social services, schooling, health care and housing. Socioeconomic categories set out below are indicative of the diverse circumstances among the households: • those in difficult circumstances. The course of integration is derailed for various reasons. These are also looked at in Chapter 6 under the discussion of those on the labour market margins • those of modest means, encountering problems, otherwise not in easy circumstances, and managing one way or another – thrift as an imperative • Those clustered in the middle of the continuum - managing and ‘in control’ of their life circumstances. They live ‘comfortably’, the exercise of thrift being important. • those who have done well and have achieved a solid standard of living, and feel quite positive. In such cases the employment situation is good (including some successful entrepreneurs), family relations are in order, and if their children’s schooling is progressing well, there is a feeling of achievement. 34 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND The fundamentals of managing – initiative, an enterprising disposition, contacts and links with Finnish people, being ‘active’ Some participants wished to make a reminder that initiative and readiness to take up opportunities have always had a strong effect on how well newcomers would get along and how efforts to become established would eventually bear fruit. These emphasized that even though living conditions are all right, those making their life in Finland would have to be willing and ready to take up such opportunities that arise. They would need to reach out and form social relations with others, especially with the main population/Finns. ‘The society values ‘equality’ and the socio-economic differences are not large. However getting ahead still calls for our effort and activity. And we need to work on language skill if we mean to make a go of things’. ‘Basic pay is good, and allows people to live a relatively happy life, but we cannot take things for granted’. ‘Still, although there are opportunities in the society, we ourselves are the ones who have to take initiative and go after them. We need to make contacts with other people, especially in the main population. Our effort and activity is the key, for sure. We still need to work on language skills, no matter what our circumstances are like. We need an active and positive attitude’. Thrift One pivotal principle for managing in settlement has been to practice thrift in a consistent way. Thrift has been, and is a common habit among the refugees. In this respect, their ways might differ from the contemporary life styles around them. Participants explained that the fact that their households manage economically, is due in large measure, to their thrift, or in other words, to how they spend their money! For example, food need not cost a lot if ready-made food items in the groceries are avoided, and if they do not frequent restaurants. Participants 35 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND described that their custom is to spend carefully, save, and keep on working hard and up to 12 hours a day when necessary. Thrift takes a philosophical turn when subjects explain that, ‘it depends on our own attitude whether we feel needy or whether we feel content with what we have’. Another family of modest income said, ‘We always assist our relatives. This all depends on how we ourselves can tighten our budget in order to do this’. A family in comfortable circumstances explained that, ‘Our economic situation is good, because we both have steady work and manage on the combined income. We have not got large loans and are careful not get into any serious debt’. An example of modest means is the family which is usually able to manage on their income, but not always. Their income is very modest. One spouse earns but the other is on sickness benefits. These funds can usually cover their day- to-day expenses, but there is nothing extra for travel, for instance, or to have entertainment otherwise. The working spouse would like to have extra work, but it is not available. They have assisted their family members (grandmother, mother) in Vietnam, and for this they simply cut down on spending. Challenges and problems Language Language has been a major hurdle for many of the Vietnamese. Learning Finnish has been difficult for them due to weak schooling and educational background. The backdrop of their predicament can be linked to civil war conditions, infrastructural break-down in the society and general disruption of ‘normal’ life over decades. However, the availability of blue collar employment at the time of their resettlement in the late 1980s mitigated this to a large extent as they were able to find gainful employment at that time. ‘Learning Finnish presents a big problem, because our schooling background is weak. However, anyway, after the introduction courses we got to work immediately. Even though our language skill was low, we managed, since manual work did not require such strong language skills’. 36 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND The language instruction during the initial years of orientation was a beneficial preparation for the labour market, even though many continued to have difficulties in communicating due to their weak starting line. Participants recalled that even after the orientation period, they needed to be persistent in trying to learn and to work at strengthening their Finnish in order to be able to communicate. This would have been possible, especially in those cases where Finnish language instruction came to be offered by employers. Other organizations by this time were also offering language instruction. Individuals would have been able to avail themselves of these opportunities, provided that the time and energies could be found. For many, family responsibilities and working life tended to shift language concerns further along. In addition to rebuilding their lives and making a home, the problems they shouldered were economic – how to alleviate the situation of relatives in straits in the homeland. The problems with weak language skill Non-proficiency in language is seen as having been, for some, the main factor behind communication problems breeding misunderstanding and awkward sessions with authorities. In spite of the availability of interpreters, parents’ communication with teachers, for example, could be inadequate and lead to misunderstanding. Some parents had difficult and unpleasant experiences of not managing to control or deal effectively with their children’s issues. Individuals remembered incidents of misunderstandings that remained unresolved and thus are still troubling because of the confusing situations that they were unable to unravel at the time. The second generation acquires language skill in school, and can move onto a different footing from their parents. The risk existed that they would go their own ways prematurely in the new environment, were there not accord and harmony between youth’s perspectives and parents’ understandings and wishes. When there are problems with socialization of youth it is difficult to pass on the traditional values and culture-based mores which have functioned as the bedrock of youth development and socialization in the homeland culture. 37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND Difference between the Finnish language skill of parents and their children can put parents at a disadvantage and their children in difficult positions and roles. Family relations are discussed further in Chapter 7. Prejudice and discriminatory behaviour The subjects chose not to dwell in much detail on unpleasant experiences, especially in the group situation. Negative experience is often dealt with by the Vietnamese in the more private spheres of family and social life. It is not customary to discuss problems in public. However encounters with racism, prejudice and discrimination were experienced as part of settlement and these evoke bleak memories. Settlement has not been an easy path. Prejudice in social life is discussed in Social Interaction Chapter 5. Different experiences of racist behaviour in the public sphere include the following: • work place behaviour toward them could be insulting or deliberately offensive. These took the form of remarks and insinuations – sometimes sustained for a long time (in early phase of settlement). Problems of this nature were also straightened out in the work place itself • perceived differential treatment in workplaces or in interface with services and officials. At times some sensed that their requests to officials or at the workplace were not taken seriously, not given proper attention, or simply disregarded • overt racism/disparaging comments on the streets in early times. See Kosonen (2008) on the significance of perceived discrimination, especially during childhood and adolescence on psychological wellbeing and even in the long term, on sociocultural adaptation as adults. It appears that, on balance, the interface with open-minded and welcoming Finns over time has counteracted the negative aspects. In speaking of racism, the subjects do it against the context of other rewarding social interaction that they have experienced. 38 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND Although this is not a study of majority attitudes, it is probably safe to say that gradual accommodation and interaction with the Vietnamese has led to greater mutual understanding, which has enhanced intercultural and interethnic relations with this new minority. It might be said that in this way they have become part of the still evolving multicultural society, which is no mean achievement for both sides! 39 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND 5 Social interaction The importance of social interaction ‘Our relationship with relatives is always close, but we also have many friends with whom we keep in touch regularly. Relatives and friends are the foundation in our life. They put new heart into our family life’ Many of the participants kept in touch and met with friends. They enjoy the company of Vietnamese as well as of Finnish circles. Within the wider entity, individuals and families congregate together with those with whom they feel a kindred spirit. The community as a whole features internal diversity as to social and socioeconomic background. Because of the collective cultural ways of Vietnamese, many tend to spend a fair amount of time in company. A few have more Finnish friends than Vietnamese. In some of the families, Finnish friendships began from the start with the Friend Family Programme organized by the Finnish Red Cross. At this time, in many cases, Finnish friends have come to be looked upon as ‘family’. At any rate, for the majority, the pleasure of being with others is an important factor in the settlement process. Another individual expressed it by saying that: ‘For us, the nearness and camaraderie of relatives and friends is very important. For us it means a feeling safety and belonging’. One subject’s own observation was that those who have good Finnish friends adapt better to the society, and that individuals without Finnish friends would adapt less easily. This is no superficial impression. One of the Finnish informants of the study was firmly of the opinion that closer interaction and interface of immigrants with a cross section of Finns would open up new understandings on both sides, not to 40 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND mention solid connections which could take integration forward. Some settling persons come in little contact with majority society members, for various reasons such as language skill level, or unfamiliarity with civil society centres of activity. The importance of fostering interaction with majority society is weighty as it relates also to building mutual respect and trust – pathways to inclusion in society. Social networks can be understood as mutual helping mechanisms upon which members can rely when, and whenever, they are in need of some type of assistance. Helping in close circles can be tangible or, equally valuable, intangible. When relations are close, they are akin to family bonds, and helping responses can be unconditional, unlike in the case of more formally sought help. This is a mechanism commonly observed in the community. Support in circles can bring security. The Vietnamese community comes from a society in which the ‘informal safety net’ plays a critical role in welfare and wellbeing. As mentioned earlier, the State safety net is at ‘residual’ level, meaning that the basic level of welfare response is nominal. Individuals are accustomed to generating their own informal ‘safety net’ to meet not only contingencies, but also routine basic needs. The family and social networks function also in the capacity of a safety net for fending off everyday risks and difficulties. In this way also, vibrant networks facilitate settlement and integration processes for new groups. The social networks of the Vietnamese, who have been settling longer, have come with time to extend over the ethnocultural boundaries. In the case of newer groups, the close association with their own fellow countrymen and women can be misread as a conscious desire to ‘keep apart’. Unfortunately, this would be to underestimate the complexity of ethnocultural adaptation processes in the society. Adaptation processes can be taking place quietly and powerfully in less obvious fashion. 41 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND Interaction with Finns, in the neighbourhood and workplaces ‘We do not want to disturb the Finns’ was a way of explaining that there was respect for social ‘space’. It also told that the new group was not familiar at the time with the local ‘codes’ for social behaviour. Possibly the experience of the Vietnamese with other cultural backgrounds in their homeland (France, China, USA) had sensitized them to intercultural situations. The relations in neighbourhoods naturally vary widely, from friendships and unfailing cordiality, to ‘minding one’s own business’. Some have flourishing camaraderie with their neighbours which makes for very rewarding relations on both sides. Some accept it when the neighbours do not seem to wish contact or to be in neighbourly relations. The overtures made by Finns count considerably. At times attitudes have been upsetting. The newcomers felt that resentment or envy might have arisen when some people could not understand why and how they came to afford to buy a car or their own apartment or to be managing well financially. Hence the emphasis placed by the Vietnamese on their habits of thrift. At workplaces friction could be caused when other workers become unsettled should the newcomer show much industry and diligence on the job. Newcomers face this reaction commonly. The local work force feels threatened when new groups or migrant groups come in to work alongside them. However, the discussion of social interaction would not be balanced if the workplace arena of interaction were not to be mentioned in a positive light. For most persons settling in a new country, employment makes singular impact on integration. It is a pathway into the spheres of valuable activity and a way of joining in, and interacting directly with the mainstream population in tangible roles. The workplace is also one of the most fertile environments for picking up language and learning to understand the social environment. 42 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND Contact with Vietnam and visiting The Vietnamese live in many countries abroad, but they remain part of the larger family and the bonds with those in the homeland remain firm. The deterioration of relations is not an ideal situation. It can take place, for instance, if the family member abroad is in unfortunate circumstances and does not wish to keep contact or to disclose her/his situation. This is a source of much sadness for the family in Vietnam, particularly for the elders. The Vietnamese in Finland travel to visit their family, and if they can afford it, they also visit in the ‘diaspora’, keeping in touch with those abroad in other countries. As mentioned earlier, thrift and income are essential to being able to travel. Some cannot afford it. There are also individuals who do not wish to visit Vietnam. They might bear the weight of previous experiences in the homeland. For others, the society they left is no more. It is worse when even their friends might no longer be the same because of the hardships they have gone through. At this time, the Vietnamese need not suffer from isolation, since the community linkages have developed. Moreover the families who came in the late 1980s have evolved to become extended families themselves. Social as well as family networking is characterized and reinforced by interdependence in their circles. There is nevertheless, regret that the younger generations who grow up in Finland might not learn to appreciate the values of the traditional family system that has been the bedrock of their culture. Transnational families Migration and settlement in places far away from the homeland has its emotional and social costs of separation. In the three decades since the first groups arrived, this problem has been significantly assuaged by the development in electronic communication systems. Affordable and rapid communication puts a different complexion on how individuals manage and cope with their affairs over distance. In one sense, they occupy a common space of communication between two fields of activity – that in Finland and that of the homeland. 43 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND The extended family can be understood an example of transnationalism extending between Finland and Vietnam. It might also straddle the homeland and the countries of settlement (Finland, USA or Australia, for example). From a theoretical perspective, 3 types transnational activity are usually identified: −− economic (e.g., business, trade, entrepreneurs utilizing their contacts across borders) −− political (e.g., building political base of power in migrant sending or receiving countries) −− socio-cultural activities (e.g. strengthening and using in- terpersonal ties, close circles in both countries). See Portes, Guarnizo and Landholt (1999). The Vietnamese extended family can be seen as a transnational system of the third socio-cultural type. It is a vehicle for keeping interpersonal ties vibrant. The family linkages in this transnational system of contact facilitate ongoing activity to ensure wellbeing of wider family in Vietnam. The kin at the different family nodes in different countries all participate in this purposeful transnational activity. 44 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND 6 Employment The reception and resettlement of the Vietnamese refugees took place at a relatively fortunate time for employment. The economy was growing in the 1980s. The electronics industry had started to its expansion. The arrival of the Vietnamese groups took place mainly before the Finnish economy went into a depression in the early 1990s when the unemployment rate rose to a peak of 18 percent. Finding employment is of utmost importance to persons settling into a new country – whether they arrive as refugees or immigrants. Employment has far- reaching implications for integration. Moreover for the individual, being employed is one of the hallmarks of having a valued role and being able to contribute to the society of settlement (Valtonen 2015). Throughout history, in different countries, employment and membership in the society often overlapped. Employment and labour market insertion are receiving greater emphasis in the reception and orientation services for refugees and other immigrants (Sarvimaki 2017). This is partly in response to work force deficits in prominent areas of the labour market. The concerns of the Vietnamese over obtaining employment is one that is reflected across all immigrant groups. Joblessness or chronic joblessness of an immigrant has serious ramifications, because of the formidable challenge of becoming integrated and part of the society from a peripheral and status-less position. Social support and state security alleviate want, but are not mechanisms of insertion. 45 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND The Vietnamese in the labour market The education profile of the early Vietnamese cohorts ranged over the whole scale, from basic schooling up to university level. Those with a background of basic or secondary education level are a clear majority. In the community are also those who had completed high school, but because of the conditions at the time, were not able to pursue further education toward professional or vocational goals. In different circumstances, they would have been able to utilize to advantage their best years for study and training. There were also years spent in the refugee camps. Thus the community comprises also persons who had completed up to high school, but lacked opportunities to develop further livelihood paths. A small minority in the community had professional qualifications and experience which were in teaching, nursing and book-keeping, for example. It should be noted that Finland’s selection processes at the time gave weight to humanitarian aspects as opposed to education or employability. In a sense, we might say that our Finnish Vietnamese community represents a cross-section of the society during the period when they had to leave their homeland. As mentioned earlier, due to employment availability at the time, a large part of first generation was able to move directly into working life after the period of orientation and language instruction. This was a characteristic of the greater part of those Vietnamese refugee cohorts arriving the late 1980s, and it is quite distinct. The Somali and Iraqi groups who subsequently were resettled, have not had this positive pattern of settlement since their labour market entry was very difficult. The Vietnamese were able to join the labour marke primarily at blue collar level. Their employment was found, for example, in the electronics industry, metal work, assembly at factory floor level, in cleaning and laundry work, food processing, warehouse work, and painting. They were employed in the service sector, for example, in cooking and as kitchen assistants. Some found their way into entrepreneurship, in the restaurant business, to which several turned at some point in their working life in Finland. Enterprises include the following types: bicycle shop, construction firm, automobile company, cleaning enterprise, industrial laundry. 46 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND Vietnamese women’s employment was a high point in early resettlement. It was very empowering for many of the women to have ‘earning’ power, and in particular, for those with a lower level of education who otherwise would not have had this type of chance in Vietnam. Women’s ready participation in the labour market sprang in large part from the responsibilities they had held in prolonged wartime conditions, as well as from household mores. They were already accustomed to make use of opportunities to earn in order to supplement family and household income in the informal and formal sectors. Working philosophies The subjects have pointed out that their approach at work is one of industry, being hard working and always ready to learn and to try. The nature of the work might be ‘simple’ since their education is not strong. Working, however, is also vital for being able to assist their relatives, and this is reward in itself. It was estimated informally that two thirds of the original cohorts still assist their kin. ‘We try to learn, to be industrious and positive. We needed to demonstrate that Vietnamese are good workers. It takes perseverance’. When asked if they were able to use their previous work experience from Vietnam, some of the practical skills were mentioned, such as repairing machines. It is clear nonetheless, that the activities of earning a livelihood in the homeland must have required the same qualities and dispositions of perseverance which they bring to the Finnish labour market. This type of asset they were able to transport into the local labour market. Even though Finnish language skill was limited when they started working, most were able to improve through practice in work places. Very few sought to take additional classes formally, but the workplace interface and interaction environment took the form of ‘immersion’ and on-site learning. Subjects told that they had continued to learn Finnish in the workplace through regular practice. 47 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND Long, continuous employment A fair number of individuals have enjoyed long, continuous employment despite ups and down in the labour market sectors in which they are employed. Such stable, long term employment relations have allowed families to build a satisfactory household economy, especially if both spouses were fortunately placed. Their work records start from the time they moved from the orientation phase into the labour market, and span up to 40 years. Looking back on this achievement, their reflections on the rough times have mellowed. At times the workplace atmosphere was not easy if they were among those selected to continue after downscaling of the work force. Through weathering the fluctuations and reverses, their tenacity paid off. The security which they earned in employment is a ‘thick’ dimension of full membership in the society. Individuals have also had very positive experiences of workplaces where they have been, and are, well treated. Some workplaces have a good atmosphere and spirit, with workmates friendly and helpful. In such places, the employees continue to develop and keep on learning. This favourable/ideal situation is reflected clearly in family wellbeing and positive attitudes. There are larger and smaller enterprises where ‘difference’ has not been a handicap in principle or in practice. Workplaces were described positively and warmly. The knowledge and experience gained from the workplace experience, and not least, contacts and advice, have been valuable even when individuals branch out into their own enterprise. The experiences at work have also been trying. Negative experiences were, for example, perceived prejudice, resentment, differential treatment, disparaging remarks, being passed over, and envy toward them if they were doing well. Depending on the circumstances, some have changed or been able to change their workplaces. It appears that, for the most part, these troubling phases have had to be handled and coped with by newcomers themselves, through an attitude of ‘taking things in their stride’. As was remarked during interviews: ‘Finns have had their prejudice about us, but because of our hard working habits and with the passage of time, all this is behind. We try to speak and learn the language more, because by speaking one makes contacts and has interaction’. 48 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND It is noticeable that ‘voice’ is not much used by Vietnamese to protest in problem situations. Individuals usually do not lodge formal complaints and probably do not feel themselves to be a position to do so. Traditional occupations in Vietnam Some of the refugee adults had to manage the transition to a modern economy from traditional livelihoods in agriculture and farming, and fishing. The participants in the study reported also other occupations in Vietnam: dressmaking and sewing; embroidery; makeup and hairdressing, gardening, waitressing, student, construction, sales (sales persons), small and micro enterprise. The overriding priority in settlement was on working, and there was willingness to take available employment. One subject reported that, because her father’s Finnish was not good at the time, and even though he had a background of education, he took any type of available work. This was not unusual. Individuals wished to have work, which would give a foothold in the labour market. This necessity of having to take any available work opportunities has led to the development of ‘all rounders’ – individuals who have taken on varied work opportunities out of necessity and/or because of an enterprising approach to settlement. Among the Vietnamese, as in immigrant groups in general, individuals have had to build work histories that span different areas of employment, primary and secondary labour market sectors, different labour market cultures and sometimes even the formal/informal economic sectors. 49 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND Employment in the younger generations: 1½, second and third The so-called 1½ generation are those who were born in Vietnam but came at an early age to Finland. They were able to benefit from the school and education system in Finland. At times the new language posed a stiff challenge but if they overcame this, they could proceed with schooling and further education in the local system – a considerably stronger advantage in the employment market. One example is provided by the subject who reported as follows: ‘I completed basic and high school here, graduating in 1996. Since my teenage years I have been working and have never been without work for any lengthy period. This includes summer work, and short term jobs in many different firms. Now I am in practical nursing and have a steady job. I work in the public sector, because I feel that the public sector handles things in a straightforward way, and is under State supervision. The municipalities have to follow the laws and policies’. The 1½, second and also representatives of the third generation exhibit a wider cross section of occupations than that of their parents. This is to be expected in immigrant groups in general. The 1½ and second generations are often better equipped for the labour market and possibly more easily employable, having had time to acquire language and qualifications in the local education system. On the time scale, moreover, since they arrived at a younger age, the 1½ generation has the opportunity, similar to native youth, to choose to pursue career change by returning to studies. ‘When we came to Finland, my parents always encouraged us to get a good education. Each of us needed to have a qualification which would let us seek a job in Finland. Finland offers the opportunity to study towards a basic qualification or to seek vocational education, or to study for a profession if one is able to, or if it is possible. Our family’s goal was to get into working life’. Individuals who came as children to Finland could pursue vocational education into specialized areas. For these, the language problem might still linger into further education, should they have had fewer years of basic schooling in Finland. Requests for occupation-related language training have been made over the years from immigrants in specialized areas. 50 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND The younger generations have joined the service sector at different skill levels. Blue collar occupations are in, for example, automotive technology, car sales and painting, machinist work, textile care, welding, bakery work. Others can be found in service sectors, including employment services. Many have gone into the profession of practical nursing – a helping profession in the social and health field6. Some of the professional areas of the younger generation of Vietnamese are in data consultancy, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, engineering, economics, and dentistry. The universal education system has been one of the most important factors facilitating social mobility. A crucial factor is also parental encouragement and support for their childrens’ schooling and educational attainment. Young people are at a disadvantage when their parents are unemployed chronically or for long periods. Parents would lack insider knowledge of the dynamics of the labour market and, in practice, be in a much weaker position to guide and support their children’s education efforts. Entrepreneurial activity is developed in various areas. Restaurants (small and larger), cleaning companies and commercial gardening are a few examples. A successful family business means self-employment, but it can also be a source of employment for spouses, first generation parents, siblings as well as Finnish workers. A participant said that life for their family was now happy. The fact that they worked twice as hard was all right, as long as they bore in mind who they were and from where they have come. The nature of some personal choices A few individuals were nostalgic about their former fishing occupation. One person said that he had dreamt of continuing as a fisherman in the new society, but this was not possible since the fishing industry was not going strong. Moreover fishing trips lasted months, in cold and lonely conditions. Another subject reflected on his former fishing occupation and the turns his livelihood had taken. His stay in the refugee camp had been a long one. On completion of the orientation courses he went into metal work and has remained in in factory work ever since. With low 51 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND schooling level, he was not able to pursue study or training. Moreover in the early phase of settlement, he was missing his family and needed to work to support his child. Some women had considerable expertise and experience in dressmaking and sewing in Vietnam, and did not have equivalent openings or opportunities in Finland. They turned to other types of work. Other individuals found they could not manage to learn the language and ended up having very tenuous links with working life. Various employment programmes offered occasional work periods. Depending on their circumstances, households on minimal income could feature low or intermittent income, sickness/disability benefits, various spells of labour market training and Government subsidized employment programmes. The father of one family whose income consisted of labour market support, Old age pension, and children’s student allowance, stated that it was primarily a matter of how they managed their spending. Educated and qualified in Vietnam Individuals who came with professional qualifications and experience from Vietnam were few. In the local labour market these are difficult to locate, as they are not in their original occupations. One area in which it was possible to use professional training from Vietnam has been in accountancy/book keeping. The studies and training attained by some of the individuals with solid school grounding in Vietnam led to their attaining qualifications in Finland in carpentery, cabinetmaking, and the goldsmith trade, for example. Due to the pressure of having to earn, individuals with high school and even professional training went into various sectors. Some worked and continue to work for the reception and orientation services, as hourly paid interpreters and hourly paid mother tongue teachers in schools7. The electronics industry, cleaning, and eventually practical nursing are some of the areas where this group found work. They would have been available for and willing to work in refugee and immigrant reception and orientation jobs in the municipalities. Their language skills, and valuable cultural and settlement experience would have been an asset to the field. 52 PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT 2019:37 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND However this main arena has never been opened up to bring in and utilize the expertise of the refugees and immigrants themselves. On looking back on their working life in Finland, some feel an element of regret that they could not, at the time of newly settling, pursue equivalency studies or training that would have meant continuation along a career path, or advancement in an occupational field. Individuals were able to ‘make the best’ of their future, manoeuvring in the labour market and being flexible as to the type of work they did. This is another example of ‘all rounding’ which describes the path of many such immigrants in the area of employment. Those whose labour market links break The community includes some individuals who were not able to gain a foothold in the labour market during settlement. The reasons vary with individuals. Some were not able to focus and concentrate on vocational studies, and could not follow through regardless of their previous educational background. At times, refugees remain affected by events prior to resettlement. On the other hand, employment ‘all rounding’ (or turning one’s hand to any work available) requires flexibility, much drive and, not least, a sense of self efficacy – confidence built on previous achievements, which leads individuals to have a conviction that they are capable, and will do well. Involuntary unemployment puts individuals’ identity and feelings of self-worth at risk. The linkages to the employment market are of prime importance for settling persons. As mentioned earlier, the workplace is where individuals acquire and strengthen language skills in the first instance. The workplace is also an arena of social interaction. It is a place where workers keep pace with the insider labour market dynamics and are closer to the developments in the economic sector of society. For immigrants much social information is exchanged, and potentially the work personnel constitutes a network of ‘weak ties’ which extend further into the society, and are a useful source of contacts (Granovetter 1973). Moreover, through inter-personal processes, it can be a forum where prejudice is overcome as individuals interact in mutual interest. Of great importance is the employment record which entitles individual workers to earnings-based social security, 53 NORDIC VIETNAMESE – OUR COMMUNITY IN FINLAND strengthening their pension levels and other social security payments in the event of sickness or unemployment. Unemployment erodes at the integration process. The question that arises again is over whether it is possible for immigrants who are located on the margins of the labour market, to find alternative opportunities to become well-integrated and fully participating members of society. General observations on immigrant employment In the case of the Vietnamese, their joining the labour force took place at a fortunate