Urbanities,
Vol. 3
·
No 2
·
November 2013
© 2013
Urbanities
66
related attitudes of residents of the host country (Norwegians) that I have discussed in this article,
– more precisely, the ‘imagined sameness’ between ‘people of their kind’ and ‘others’ – point to
an ethnically-determined notion of ‘belonging’ among Norwegians. ‘Others’ are perceived as
ethnically ‘different’. Such an ethnically-determined concept of Norwegian society results in
integration difficulties for immigrants. However, being ‘white’ is used as a resource to blend in
and thus be less easily identifiable as an immigrant or at least imagine being higher up on the
social ladder, even if coming from Eastern Europe.
However, despite their desire to be treated and seen as equals in Norway, Lithuanian
immigrants are reluctant to waive Lithuanian citizenship. There are some exceptions especially
among children who grew up in Norway. However, as at the moment there are few such people,
it is too early to draw any conclusions about this matter. Lithuanian citizenship is not seen as a
practical necessity, but more as an emotional tie with Lithuania. As the examples that I have
given suggest, a decision to change to Norwegian citizenship is often experienced as a personal
drama. Alternatively, the whole notion of citizenship is rethought; citizenship is called ‘a piece of
paper’ and bonds with Lithuania are constructed through ‘innate’ categories.
