Resettled Minority Refugees' Dilemma: Assimilate or Integrate?

Abstract

The increasing number of refugees across the world has entailed reinforced attention to this disadvantaged group, particularly on their lives after displacement. Although assimilation theories focus on how migrants navigate within a new society, the acculturation process itself has remained somewhat distinct and challenging for refugees among the broader migrant group due to their inherent specificities. This study aimed to explore if and how the generational aspect and social capital in the form of ethnic social connection help refugees to navigate racial inequalities and hegemony during the resettlement process. The situation may be more complex and multi-faceted for minority refugees and can shape their perspectives and aspirations regarding acculturation – to be integrated or assimilated - differently. This ethnographic study with a second-generation Muslim refugee couple found a dichotomy among the second generation of Muslim refugees: educated ones with higher social capital tend to integrate, while less-educated ones with low or no social capital tend to be marginalized. These findings' conformity to the segmented assimilation theory may be due to the characteristics of target participants. More researches are recommended to have a comprehensive understanding of the emerging issues with refugees, with a special focus on minority refugees, in a host country.