New Challenges for Nordic Welfare Services: 'Emerging Cultural Diversity in Finnish Youth Work'

Abstract

This article summarises the results of a two-phase research project, which concentrated on leisure practices of ethnic minority youth and their expectations on multicultural youth services. The question is how youth work as “cultureless” principles of Nordic welfare universalism function in contemporary social conditions. Have youth workers and administrative authorities adopted multicultural demands of increasing ethnic diversity? The case of Finland is taken as a special example. The analysis of the data is based on a survey and thematic interviews. The current culturally diverse reality is seen as leading to new youth work practices, but this happens slowly and is disturbed by resistant attitudes.

Keywords

• youth work
• welfare services
• multiculturalism
• equality
• universalism