Which Nationalities Face Job Application Discrimination in Norway?

It's something often mentioned by foreigners in Norway. A new study sheds light on the truth of discrimination in Norway during the job application process.

Norway is often celebrated for its egalitarian ideals, but a recent study reveals challenges in realising these values. Discrimination in the Norwegian labour market remains a pressing issue, particularly for individuals with ethnic minority backgrounds.

A new study published in the Norwegian Journal of Social Research highlights the extent to which job seekers with foreign names face bias when applying for jobs.

The findings are both striking and disheartening, offering an important perspective on how systemic inequality operates within a society that prides itself on fairness. If you're looking for job vacancies in Norway, this is a must-read.

Discrimination by Name and Region

The study employed an experimental method, sending 2,779 fictitious job applications to real job openings in Norway between 2016 and 2018.

While all applicants had similar qualifications, their names were selected to reflect different ethnic backgrounds, and a sentence in the cover letter indicated their country of origin. The results were revealing:

Job seekers with names associated with the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia face the highest levels of discrimination. This includes applicants from countries such as Pakistan, Somalia, India, and Iraq.

Applicants from Europe, the USA, and Russia experience less discrimination, although still more than those with traditional Norwegian names.

Southeast and East Asian applicants, such as those from China, Japan, and Vietnam, face similar levels of discrimination to Europeans and Americans.

On the whole, candidates with foreign-sounding names were 32% less likely to be invited to an interview than those with Norwegian names.

A Reflection of Broader Social Hierarchies

The research suggests that these disparities reveal an “ethnic hierarchy” in Norwegian society, where individuals are ranked based on factors such as their country of origin, religion, and gender.

According to the lead researcher, Arnfinn Midtbøen of the University of Oslo, these findings align with global trends but also point to uniquely Norwegian dynamics.

The study also found no significant difference in the level of discrimination faced by first-generation immigrants compared to those born in Norway to immigrant parents.

This suggests that bias is not solely directed at newcomers but extends to their descendants, challenging notions of integration and inclusion.

Why This Matters

Norway’s commitment to equality is central to its national identity, but these findings expose a gap between ideals and reality. As Jon Rogstad, a researcher at OsloMet, said in Science Norway, “there is still a kind of innocent perception of Norway.”

Rogstad went on to explain that while the country prides itself on fairness, systemic barriers persist, limiting opportunities for minority groups to demonstrate their skills and abilities.

Despite decades of anti-discrimination policies and laws, the level of bias in the labour market has remained largely unchanged. Researchers argue that current strategies may need a complete overhaul.

While immigrant employment rates have risen, this may be driven more by labour shortages than by genuine changes in employer attitudes.

The study highlights the importance of addressing these issues holistically. Discrimination in the labour market reflects broader societal inequities, extending to areas such as healthcare, education, and law enforcement.

For those interested in living and working in Norway, this study serves as a reminder of the challenges that may arise. However, it also opens up important conversations about what Norway can do to improve its systems and practices.

Acknowledging these issues is the first step towards change, and ongoing research plays a critical role in driving awareness and accountability.