Citizenship ceremonies – an analysis of participation and participants

Sted: FAFO

Researchers at Fafo: Hanne C. Kavli and Kaja Reegård
Partner: Anniken Hagelund at ISF

Duration: 2008-2009

Funded by the directorate for integration and diversity.

Several Western European countries have in recent years introduced policies aimed at strengthening new citizens’ sense of and capacity for belonging through various forms of citizenship policies ranging from compulsory citizenship tests and citizenship courses to voluntary citizenship ceremonies. One way of depicting the trend is to say that receiving societies are addressing concerns about social cohesion by actively communicating a message of fundamental values, rights and responsibilities all citizens are expected to adhere to. The Norwegian Nationality Act of 10 June 2005 (no. 51) entered into force on 1 September 2006. A citizenship ceremony was introduced from the same date, although it is not part of the Act. Everyone granted Norwegian citizenship after 1 September 2006 is invited to take part in a citizenship ceremony. Participation is voluntary, but for those who attend, an oath of loyalty will be a compulsory element in the ceremony. This study aims to increase our knowledge of the factors that influence participation rates in citizenship ceremonies. Data includes register-data for all new citizens 2006-2008, in addition to personal interviews with participants and non-participants in the ceremonies and with representatives from the county governors that organised the ceremonies. The study is conducted in cooperation between Fafo and ISF.