Invisible Inequalities: The Wellbeing of Refugee Children Living in Poverty.

Abstract

Despite their potential vulnerability, research on the group of refugee children living in poverty and their wellbeing is limited. This research aims to explore the wellbeing of children living in poverty between 2016 and 2024. A linear regression analysis conducted on N= 9,809 respondents shows that living in poverty has a negative relationship with the objective and subjective wellbeing of children. Additionally, the results show that the relationship on objective wellbeing is stronger for refugee children. The results show support for the Relative Deprivation Theory, Capability Approach and the Conservation of Resources theory. This research contributes to literature, by providing a comprehensive overview of the wellbeing of children in recent years, and focuses on children living in poverty with or without a refugee background. To conclude, this research provides recommendations on improving Dutch policy concerning child poverty.