Bridging worlds? Local leaders’ perspectives on civil society and integration in Sweden

This article investigates how local leaders of civil society organizations understand and articulate their organizations' role in fostering social integration within Sweden’s increasingly diverse yet segregated society. Based on interviews with leaders from nine associations – sports clubs, religious communities, environmental groups, and advocacy networks – the study analyses how they describe their organizations as spaces for interaction, community building, and participation. Using the concepts of bonding, bridging, and linking social capital, it examines efforts to strengthen in-group cohesion, build cross-cultural relationships, and connect individuals to institutional resources. Leaders most commonly described bonding capital, developed through shared activities, values, and small-group formats, as providing emotional safety and a sense of belonging. Bridging was described to occur through inclusive, recurring activities that fostered friendships beyond group boundaries. Linking capital developed when associations helped members navigate bureaucracies, access education, or participate in democratic processes. Challenges, included unfamiliarity with activities, language barriers, limited resources, and reliance on key individuals. The study concludes that although civil society organizations cannot resolve integration issues alone, leaders perceive them as complementing state initiatives by offering trust-based networks and accessible pathways into civic life. These findings reflect leaders’ own understandings and articulations not measured outcomes of organizational activities.