“There are rules only for life but not for freedom”: Using photovoice to investigate sense of belonging of young refugees in Germany

IF 2.8 2区社会学 Q2 PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIAL

International Journal of Intercultural Relations Pub Date : 2025-09-22 DOI:10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102291

Andrea Monika Frisch , Gesa Solveig Duden , Agostino Mazziotta , Anette Rohmann

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objectives

This study explores how young refugees experience and create a sense of belonging in Germany, using Photovoice, a community-based participatory action research method.

Method

Twenty-eight young refugees attending an urban secondary school in Germany were invited to take photographs representing their sense of belonging. These photos were discussed collaboratively in group sessions and analyzed using descriptive thematic analysis.

Results

Four key themes were identified: (1) Building Relationships with Germans and Feeling Part of Social Groups, (2) Navigating the Future by Balancing Aspirations with Fears of Exclusion, (3) Embracing Symbols, Values, and Respect for Diversity, and (4) Finding Solace in Nature and Cultural Spaces.

Conclusion

Belonging among young refugees is shaped by complex social, cultural, and spatial dimensions. The findings highlight the importance of fosterig inclusive environments, acknowledging symbolic representations of shared values, and creating inclusive and accessible spaces for connection and emotional restoration.

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“只有生活才有规则，没有自由才有规则”：用摄影之声探究德国青年难民的归属感

本研究利用基于社区的参与性行动研究方法Photovoice，探讨年轻难民如何在德国体验和创造归属感。方法邀请28名在德国一所城市中学就读的年轻难民拍摄代表他们归属感的照片。这些照片在小组会议中进行协作讨论，并使用描述性主题分析进行分析。结果确定了四个关键主题：(1)与德国人建立关系并感受社会群体的一部分；(2)通过平衡愿望与排斥恐惧来导航未来；(3)拥抱符号、价值观和尊重多样性；(4)在自然和文化空间中寻找慰藉。青年难民的归属感受到复杂的社会、文化和空间维度的影响。研究结果强调了培养包容性环境的重要性，承认共同价值观的象征性代表，并为联系和情感恢复创造包容性和可访问的空间。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

International Journal of Intercultural Relations Multiple-

CiteScore

4.30

自引率

14.30%

发文量

122

期刊介绍： IJIR is dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of theory, practice, and research in intergroup relations. The contents encompass theoretical developments, field-based evaluations of training techniques, empirical discussions of cultural similarities and differences, and critical descriptions of new training approaches. Papers selected for publication in IJIR are judged to increase our understanding of intergroup tensions and harmony. Issue-oriented and cross-discipline discussion is encouraged. The highest priority is given to manuscripts that join theory, practice, and field research design. By theory, we mean conceptual schemes focused on the nature of cultural differences and similarities.