Background
Children and youth with immigrant backgrounds in Norway participate less in regular leisure activities than those without immigrant backgrounds. There is significant variation in participation based on parents' country of origin, type of activity, and gender. Among children with parents from Africa and Asia, more boys than girls participate in most activities, especially sports. Parental attitudes towards and knowledge about organised leisure activities can influence children's participation. Studies show that parents' experiences with organisational participation significantly impact youth sports involvement. Other factors such as life situation, economy, culture, residence status, and duration of stay in Norway can also affect participation. There is a need for more knowledge about how immigrant parents receive information about children's leisure activities and what such activities entail. Parental involvement is important, but immigrant parents are less likely to take on volunteer roles related to children's activities.
Project Approach
The study will have a qualitative approach using interview and focus group methodologies among immigrant parents in two different regions. Focus groups will help explore shared experiences and attitudes, enabling discussion and group dynamics. We will conduct four to five focus groups with participants based on variation in country of origin, gender, and duration of stay. In addition, we will conduct 10-15 individual interviews to delve deeper into individual experiences.
We will also conduct in-depth interviews with leaders/volunteers in organisations that offer leisure activities to children and youth. These interviews will focus on the organisations' strategies for including immigrant parents, challenges they have faced, and measures they have implemented to improve inclusion. To incorporate the municipal perspective, we will also interview relevant municipal employees about their work with parental involvement and collaboration with volunteer organisations. Additionally, we will use existing data from the centre's local branch surveys and include relevant questions in upcoming rounds of the local branch survey in the next centre period.
