Possibilities for maintaining a strong self – a grounded theory study of relational experiences among Thai women in Sweden

Figures & data

Figure 1. Theoretical model of different possible pathways for Thai women partnered with Swedish/Danish men in Sweden.

Box 1. Example of a memo.

An example of a memo that was written in the beginning of developing the category ‘Starting in dependency’.

Thai women coming to Sweden migrate for different reasons, but all share the experience of starting their new life in dependency on someone in Sweden. For example, a man whom they are planning to marry or a relative with a job opportunity. It is often the person who made the transfer possible. Most likely a person they do not know very well. Regardless of who it is, the new situation comprises uncertainty about the future and requires that they stay with that person during the next 2 years, otherwise they risk being sent back to Thailand. How does this affect the women’s possibilities of independency and freedom further on? What options do they have if they are not treated well?