Integration or Isolation? Refugees’ Social Connections and Wellbeing

Abstract

The Indicators of Integration framework—a conceptual framework defining core domains of refugee integration—has had a significant impact on the discourse surrounding refugee integration and a major role in shaping policy, practice and academic debate. Drawing on an innovative participatory mapping approach, this study examined the social connections of isolated single refugee men from Iran and Afghanistan (highlighted as particularly marginalized) and the implications for their mental health and wellbeing. Findings indicated very low levels of contact with family, local friends or local services, difficulties establishing trust and few opportunities for reciprocal relationships. The article makes an important contribution to the field of refugee integration in a number of ways. It suggests that the role of trust should be made explicit within the Indicators of Integration framework and be included as a ‘Facilitator’ of integration. It challenges Putnam’s simple binary distinction between bonding and bridging relationships and suggests a new conceptualization based on a continuum between bonds and bridges. It offers theoretical innovation by bringing together the concept of reciprocity with Hobfoll’s resource-conservation model to offer new insights into the way domains of the Framework interact. Its important contribution is in critiquing Putnam’s reliance on the idealization of community solidarity and suggesting conceptualizations of integration must be informed by the impact of intersecting but differentiated communities. Two key priorities emerge for policy and practice: enabling asylum seekers and refugees to develop sufficient close bonding relationships and finding more effective ways of building knowledge and trust of relevant resources and services.

Refugee Perspectives on Integration in Germany

“…Refugees experience multiple stressful and even traumatic conditions that have a significant psychological impact on individuals. Strang and Quinn (2019) argue that because of "multiple losses and experiencing acutely distressing events before fleeing their homes and during their journeys", refugees might develop mental health problems, lose the sense of identity and confidence. The entire process of displacement requires a complete understanding of its effect on individuals and how the individual developed coping mechanisms to ease the pressure of the process.…”

Help seeking, trust and gender-based violence: social connections amongst displaced and non-displaced Yezidi women and men in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq

“…The purpose of the research was first outlined, and it was emphasised that participation was voluntary and that anyone was free to leave at any time. Discussions followed a structured protocol [18]. Groups identified relevant and available resources by addressing specific scenarios of the form: 'If you or someone like you faced XXXX, who could they speak to about this?…”

Help-seeking, trust and intimate partner violence: social connections amongst displaced and non-displaced Yezidi women and men in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq

“…Despite support from the local population and regional government, the displaced Yezidi population were struggling to meet basic needs such as shelter, security and food, and the disruption of livelihoods. Additionally, given the mounting evidence of enhanced risk of gender-based violence (GBV) amongst conflict-affected populations [18][19][20][21][22], there was significant concern regarding intimate partner violence (IPV) and related forms of abuse. Response to these needs by international humanitarian actors required some appraisal of the existing resources being brought to bear by the local populations on such challenges.…”