Integration is a challenge for both majority and minority populations. It is difficult in Denmark due to factors such as language, perceptions of minorities, personal difficulties faced by asylum-seekers, cultural differences in majority and minority groups, and internal forces in the majority society.
A Facebook group like Venligboerne can empower both Danes and asylum-seekers through networking opportunities and transfer of social capital. It addresses some issues faced by individuals, and can bridge language barriers.
Actor Network theory is used in this study to assess praxis in the network, and Venligboernes initial phase.
Methodological approaches include participant observation, online and offline; interviews; and literature searches.
Facebook as a tool for informal integration processes has advantages, including an informal, flat structure, easy accessibility, and built-in language translation (of certain languages). It relies on Facebook’s existing “gift” or encouragement system of “likes”, “newsfeed” and posting notification.
There is a disadvantage in that anonymity of asylum-seekers is difficult to secure. Other problem issues, not unique to Facebook are also discussed.