Discrimination and alienation blamed for crimes committed by immigrants
Second generation in cultural crossfire
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Second-generation immigrants commit more crimes than those in the first generation. They also tend to commit vandalism, theft, and crimes of violence more often than native-born Finnish young people.
"The existence of a cultural conflict is quite clear. Those in the first generation spent more time with the family and their original culture. The second generation is in a crossfire of two cultures. Some of the group simply do not adapt", notes Juhani Iivari, who has studied crime among immigrants.
Speaking at a seminar on young lawbreakers, Iivari said that the threat of deportation, and a desire to be part of the new country and its welfare society have affected the behaviour of the first generation of immigrants.
"The threat of expulsion is no longer as great for those born in the country. If the young people do not get onto the receiving end of the welfare state, they will take with malice that which they are not given out of benevolence."
School guidance counsellor Abdulkardi Isak and Mohamud Musse, executive director of the immigrants’ organisation Kanava Nuoriso say that discrimination keeps young immigrants from entering Finnish society.
"A Somali or Russian young person might not get work even if he or she knows the language, and has a good report card from upper secondary school. It is not enough to give an immigrant a key and to tell him where he lives. Immigrants are not helped to move forward, and if they take the initiative, the first thing they confront are demands, rather than instructions", Isak explains.
"Many immigrant parents feel that activities are important, but their kids are discriminated against even in them", Musse complains.
In Vantaa social mediation has been implemented in problem situations. The aim is to clear up situations involving disputes and crimes through constructive discussions involving mediation by a native Finn and one with an immigrant background.
"There mediation has become more successful. One reason for this is the inclusion of a mediator with an immigrant background, who is able to talk about things in an understandable manner and awaken confidence", says Terttu Mehtonen, head of the Vantaa mediation programme.
Iivari believes that the position of second-generation immigrants can be improved by putting more effort into professional training and career guidance.
"Although the immigrants have their own values and cultural factors, they should also learn to understand how Finnish society operates. The situation is fairly difficult if they are becoming alienated from their own culture, but are unable to adapt to Finnish culture."
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 11.8.2006 - TODAY |
 Discrimination and alienation blamed for crimes committed by immigrants
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