| dc.description.abstract | This research examines the perspectives on and experiences with integration, especially focusing on the role of paid work, by different groups of Syrian newcomers in diverse socio-spatial contexts in the Netherlands. Integration is a hotly debated concept but does not know one agreed upon definition. In discussions around this topic, the perspectives of newcomers are often overlooked while they are main actors in processes of integration. Highlighting their views and experiences, especially regarding the essential aspect of paid work, is therefore of great relevance. Hereby, this research analyses social and spatial differentiation concerning this topic. This because newcomers’ experiences with their process of integration are embedded in structures of wider socio-spatial contexts and are influenced by their social attributes. The relevant social attributes looked at in this research are age, gender, ethnicity, level of education and type of residence. A qualitative view on the division between cities and villages allows for an analysis of different socio-spatial contexts. An intersectional approach has been used to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the interrelatedness between these aspects. Thereby, the conceptual framework of integration by Strang and Ager (2008) is used to put into perspective similar research findings on key aspects emerging from this research. The research methods used are the conduction of sixteen semi-structured interviews with Syrian newcomers together with three expert conversations. Regarding the findings, this research first of all identified six key aspects of integration being cultural knowledge, personal development, social network, connection with host society, safety and stability and work. Those findings align in large part with the key aspects of Strang and Ager’s conceptual framework of integration from 2008. Regarding integration in general, younger and Kurdish newcomers tend to have the least difficulty with their process of integration, especially those who live without family and those who reside in cities. With regard to experiences with paid work for integration, those who are male, younger, lower educated, live in a city and own a permanent residence permit appear to be most likely to have positive experiences with the search for work and/or working in the Netherlands. | |
