Social ties of refugees: Does the housing context matter?

Abstract

This Master's thesis presents the findings of a qualitative research into the social ties of refugees with neighbours. It compares the social ties of refugees in two types of residential environments (or 'housing contexts') in Leiden, the Netherlands. All refugees have been housed by housing association Portaal in Leiden. The aim of the research was to explore the possible role of the housing context of refugees in the development of ties with neighbours. The first type of context consists of newly-built dwellings at the edge of Leiden, in which half of the residents are refugees. All residents in this context have been selected on the basis of several criterions. The second context consists of existing dwellings in different areas in Leiden. Refugees live next to non-selected neighbours, mainly with the Dutch nationality. In order to explore the role of the housing context, twenty-six interviews with refugees have been conducted. The results showed that differences can be found in the social ties with neighbours between the two housing contexts, as well as similarities. These differences and similarities, as well as possible explanations, are discussed. A short review of the pros and cons of housing refugees in both types of contexts is included in this thesis. Subsequently, a recommendation to cities and housing associations involved in housing refugees is presented.