Civil society, migrant organisations and political parties: Theoretical linkages and applications to the Swedish context

This article deals with the role of migrant associations in civil society and the relationship they have with other societal actors. Firstly, ideas and rationales behind civil society are discussed. An 'ideal model' of organisations' features is elaborated, and migrant associations in the Swedish context are then compared to this matrix. Secondly, the role and relevance of these associations are discussed with reference to the structural opportunities and constraints that exist within the Swedish political environment. Although official policy encourages mobilisation according to ethnic belonging, structural conditions can in fact steer associations towards a direction that makes ethnic mobilisation difficult to achieve. Finally, the paper explores the relationship between migrant associations and the political parties by using examples and quotes from interviews conducted with representatives in Malmö.