Call For Papers

Special issue:        Faravid – Journal for Historical and Archaeological Studies

Publication date:    Spring 2026

Guest editors:        Moussa Pourya Asl, Henry Oinas-Kukkonen, and Johanna Leinonen

Language:              Finnish, English, German or Swedish

Migration Histories to Finland: Global Movements, Local Impacts

What are the historical dynamics of migration that have shaped contemporary Finland, and how do these histories intersect with the current processes of integration, identity, and multiculturalism? How have global movements influenced local cultural, political, and economic landscapes? Finland has a multifaceted history of migration that includes significant waves of movement during the early 20th century and the post-Cold War period. These historical migrations, followed by a notable increase in immigration in recent decades, have shaped the country’s evolving identity. In light of these transformations, what role does history play in shaping current migration policies, and what lessons can be drawn from Finland’s past to inform its future?

The immigration from diverse regions has significantly altered Finland’s demographic composition and contributed to cultural, political, and economic shifts. These developments raise critical questions about how Finland has responded to past waves of immigration and how these historical responses continue to inform the nation’s approach to integration and multiculturalism today. Recent scholarship emphasizes the need to critically engage with historical migration patterns to understand contemporary issues in migration policy and immigrant integration.

Finland’s current socio-political discourse on immigration reflects broader global trends. Increasing immigration has sparked debates on identity, belonging, and the meaning of Finnishness, while far-right political movements have intensified discussions surrounding national identity and the role of immigrants in society. As Finland grapples with these issues, it becomes crucial to explore how past migration histories have shaped present-day responses to these challenges. For instance, recent studies on Finnish identity show how historical migration has contributed to diverse cultural narratives and has created an evolving understanding of national belonging. This special issue seeks to address these themes by bridging historical analysis with current socio-political challenges and present an exploration of migration histories in Finland.

We invite scholars to contribute to this special issue, which will examine the historical dimensions of migration to Finland and their impact on contemporary society. This issue will explore how migration, both past and present, has influenced Finland’s political, economic, and cultural landscapes. Submissions that engage with interdisciplinary approaches—including literary, political, and cultural analyses—are particularly encouraged. As highlighted by recent research, exploring these themes from an interdisciplinary perspective enriches our understanding of migration’s multifaceted impacts.

Suggested themes and topics include but are not limited to:

1. Historical Waves of Migration to Finland
2. Cultural and Political Impacts of Immigrant Communities
3. Migration in Finnish Legislation and Policy
4. Transnational Connections
5. Comparative Migration Histories
6. Narratives of Identity and Belonging

Contributors are also welcome to submitcase studies on specific immigrant communities in Finland, the economic, educational, and political factors driving immigration to Finland, the evolution of Finland’s immigration policies and their alignment or divergence from broader European Union policies, and the cultural and political discourses surrounding immigration, particularly in the context of Finland’s national identity and the rise of populist movements.

Our aim in this special issue is to contribute to the growing body of literature on migration histories and present a focused examination of Finland’s unique position within global migration patterns. As such, it seeks contributions that not only explore Finland’s migration past but also engage with the broader theoretical and methodological questions that shape migration studies today.

Submission Guidelines:

Please submit an abstract of 300-500 words by 31 March 2025.

Notification of acceptance: 15 April 2025.

Full Papers of 5,000-7,000 words are due by 30 Sept 2025.

Manuscripts can be submitted in Finnish, English, German or Swedish.

For submissions and inquiries, please contact Moussa Pourya Asl at: moussa.pouryaAsl@oulu.fi

More information about the journal can be found at: https://faravid.journal.fi/index