Recent research from Aalborg University suggests a more optimistic view of integration in Denmark than often portrayed in political discussions. As studies reveal, the Danish population is increasingly engaging across ethnic lines, with notable changes in family life, education, and the workforce.
Positive Trends in Integration
Recent findings from researchers at Aalborg University indicate that integration in Denmark is progressing better than typical political discourse might suggest. The notion of parallel societies, often echoed in public sentiment, does not align with the data gathered by these researchers. Instead, the evidence points to a growing interaction among Danes of various ethnic origins, reflecting an evolving social landscape where integration is manifesting in everyday life.
Christian Albrekt Larsen, a professor at the Institute of Politics and Society at Aalborg University, who led the project, stated, “When we look at the numbers, it’s hard to maintain the image of a population living apart. In fact, the opposite is evident: Danes are mixing more and more. Integration is occurring in practice—often without grand gestures.”
The research reveals that interactions across ethnic lines have become increasingly commonplace, particularly in areas where individuals do not have the luxury of choosing their associates. This includes relationships forged in schools, workplaces, and even personal connections such as marriage.
To illustrate this shift, data reveals that in 1985, a staggering 94 percent of all partnerships in Denmark involved two individuals of Danish descent. By 2020, this number had decreased to 83 percent, indicating a more than doubling in the number of so-called trans-ethnic marriages. Moreover, children of mixed heritage have become more prevalent, rising from 4.4 percent of all children aged 0-16 in 1985 to 8.2 percent in 2019.
Transformations in Education and Employment
Moreover, significant changes have been observed within the educational system and the workforce. In 1990, there were 787 primary schools in Denmark that had no students of so-called ‘non-Western’ backgrounds. Fast forward to today, and that number has dramatically decreased to 168. In the context of employment, the dynamics are shifting too. In 1996, a person of Danish heritage had only a 3.1 percent chance of encountering an immigrant or descendant in their workplace. By 2019, that probability had surged to 13.3 percent.
Larsen points out that “it is precisely in those environments where individuals cannot freely choose their relationships that integration holds the greatest potential. This is where daily interactions occur, which can gradually dismantle prejudices and foster new communities.”
The Importance of Close Friendships
The research also highlights a growing network of close friendships bridging these ethnic divides. The study indicates that 37 percent of Danes of majority background have at least one close friend from an immigrant background. Conversely, about 90 percent of immigrants and their descendants report having Danish friends—this trend is also prevalent among groups often viewed as least integrated.
Interestingly, the researchers emphasize that integration is not solely about the adaptation of minorities; it also involves changes within the majority population. “Denmark is now an immigration country. This reality transforms both those who arrive and those who have been living here. The transformation is ongoing and is clearly evident in the data we have analyzed,” says Larsen.
These insights suggest that integration in Denmark is less about imposed norms and more about organic social evolution. As families, schools, and workplaces become increasingly diverse, the traditional narratives surrounding integration are being rewritten by lived experiences.
The findings from Aalborg University provide a refreshing perspective on integration in Denmark. The statistics tell a story of decreasing barriers and increasing interactions across ethnic lines, reflecting a society that is progressively more intertwined.
As we look toward the future, it is essential to continue nurturing these relationships and recognizing the positive changes occurring within the Danish population. The end of the research project will be marked by the release of a dissemination book, “A Population Blends – Contact Between the Majority and Ethnic Minorities in Denmark,” which will be available for free online.
As Denmark navigates this journey of integration, it remains crucial to acknowledge the evolving tapestry of the nation—one that continues to blend diverse strands into a cohesive, dynamic society.
For further reading, the research project’s findings can be accessed online at befolkningblandersig.dps.aau.dk.
