fremmedkultur

Fremmedkultur is a term used in Norwegian and Danish discourse to refer to cultures perceived as foreign to the majority society. The word is a compound of fremmed (foreign) and kultur (culture) and is often deployed in debates about immigration, integration, and social cohesion. In practice, it may refer to the cultural practices, values, religions, or social norms associated with migrant communities.

The term is descriptive in some contexts but more commonly carries evaluative or normative undertones. It can imply that a group’s culture is separate from or incompatible with the host society, and it is sometimes used to frame policies around assimilation, integration, or exclusion. Critics argue that fremmedkultur as a label can essentialize complex, dynamic cultural identities and contribute to othering or stigmatization of individuals who belong to those cultures.

Discussions about fremmedkultur intersect with broader debates on multiculturalism, secularism, education, and language policy. Supporters of more inclusive models favor recognizing cultural diversity while promoting shared civic values; opponents may argue for stronger assimilation or for limits on cultural practices seen as incompatible with the host society’s norms. The term’s acceptability varies, and many scholars and media outlets prefer more neutral or specific terminology when describing immigrant communities or cultural practices.

See also: multiculturalism, integration, assimilation, othering, xenophobia. Note: The term’s usage is context-dependent and can be contentious, reflecting political and social tensions surrounding immigration and cultural change.