PhD defence R.E.C. (Roxy) Damen

Dissertation in short:

People having to flee their country is an all-time phenomenon. Refugees and the societies they end up in face partly equal and partly specific challenges. Although there is a lot of research into so-called integration processes, we know little about what happens during the first years after arrival. In this dissertation I investigated the early integration of Syrian refugees in the Netherlands, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Building on previous research, my dissertation teaches us that to (support) newcomers to rebuild their lives, it is important to include the perspective of all those involved (multi-perspective), to pay attention to the different dimensions of integration (multi-dimensional) and to take the role of the individual, policy and the social context into account (multi-directional). This shows that while newcomers' understanding of integration is reasonably consistent with policy goals, recently arrived refugees need more practical, intensive and person-oriented support. In addition, mental health, next to language, can be seen as a precondition for progress in all other integration domains and contacts with Dutch people with a migration background are equally valuable. Besides, policy matters, a short and active reception period with as few relocations as possible offers the best basis on which to build. Although investments in participation (i.e. language and work) are important, they are only really valuable within an inclusive society. In doing so, recognize what newcomers bring, instead of just what they don't (yet).