The Dividual and Gendered Experiences of Polish Women in Denmark
Authors
Tholstrup, Jesper Wiig ; Carvajal Valdés, Julian Gabriel ; Szumilas, Kaja Eleonora
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2023
Submitted on
2023-10-16
Pages
119
Abstract
Knapt to årtier efter Polens indtræden i EU er migrationen fra Polen til Danmark fortsat betydningsfuld. Denne afhandling synliggør erfaringer blandt polske kvinder, der er flyttet til Danmark, en gruppe, der ofte er overset i forskningen. Med fokus på hverdagsoplevelser og familierelationer forbinder studiet personlige følelser, pligter og handlinger med det at opbygge et liv i et nyt land. Analysen bruger også begrebet 'dividualitet' fra et andet fagfelt, som ser mennesker som formet af deres relationer og forpligtelser. Data er indsamlet gennem personlige, semistrukturerede interviews med polske kvinder i og omkring København. Mange prioriterer familiens sammenhold, sikkerhed og nære bånd. Dette diskuteres i afsnit med titlerne 'Polske kvinder som familie' og 'Polske kvinder som moderlige hustruer'. Prioriteterne ser ud til at udspringe af kønsroller lært i opvæksten, især blandt de ældre deltagere. I begyndelsen møder kvinderne ofte få jobmuligheder, fordi de mangler etablerede migrationskanaler, som nogle polske mænd har via fx byggebranchen. Når denne første barriere er overvundet, kan deres prioriteringer også støtte sprogindlæring og karriereudvikling.
Nearly two decades after Poland joined the European Union, migration from Poland to Denmark remains significant. This thesis brings forward the experiences of Polish women who have moved to Denmark, a group often overlooked in research. By focusing on everyday experiences and family relationships, it links personal feelings, duties, and actions to building a life in a new country. The analysis also uses the concept of 'dividuality' from another field, which views people as shaped by their relationships and obligations. Data were collected through in-person, semi-structured interviews with Polish women living in and around Copenhagen. Many participants prioritize keeping the family together, safe, and closely connected. These priorities are discussed in sections titled 'Polish Women as Family' and 'Polish Women as Motherly Wives'. They appear to stem from gender roles learned while growing up, especially among older participants. At first, women often face limited job opportunities because they lack established migration channels like those available to some Polish men through construction companies. Once this initial hurdle is overcome, their priorities can also support language learning and career advancement.
[This summary has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
Keywords
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