Being a 'Good Citizen': The Process of Socio-Cultural Integration of Syrian Newcomers in Utrecht, the Netherlands

Abstract

Since the start of the civil war in Syria that started in 2011, many Syrian citizens have fled their homes to seek refuge in neighbouring countries or in Europe. The Netherlands has received a vast number of Syrian refugees. Most of these refugees are male, young and high-educated. In order to construct a new life and start working on a future in a new country, Syrians have to integrate successfully within Dutch society. In the Dutch national debate on the integration of refugees, negative discourses are mostly dominant. However, positive sounds are heard as well through engaged Dutch citizens concerning themselves with the integration process of newcomers. This research tries to gain insight into this positive side of the story, namely the process of socio-cultural integration of Syrian newcomers through civic initiatives in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Anthropological methods such as participant observation and hanging out, as well as in-depth interviews and conversations with Syrian newcomers shed light on the socio-cultural integration process of Syrian newcomers in Utrecht and on the value and nature of interethnic contact.