Part 3/8:
Sweden’s identity has transformed significantly over the past few decades. Historically celebrated as a secure haven with low crime rates, the country has struggled with the challenges of multiculturalism. Ahmed emphasizes that rather than thriving in harmony, multiculturalism in Sweden has led to the creation of parallel societies—enclaves where cultural integration is minimal and often dysfunctional.
One drastic manifestation of these societal shifts is the phenomenon of “balcony girls,” a somber term used to describe young women who have tragically lost their lives to honor killings. Ahmed points to such instances as symptoms of deeper socio-cultural issues of integration, wherein old-world beliefs clashed with contemporary life in Sweden.