Master Theses

Author

Widmer, Irina A.
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Title

Individuals’ strategies for wellbeing during the integration process - An empirical study of capabilities and opportunities through the eyes of Syrian refugees in the Canton of Vaud, in Switzerland

Malmö University, Faculty of Culture and Society. 2020 (English)

Link to thesis: http://ls00012.mah.se/handle/2043/32726

Abstract

Integration concerns everyone in society as a constantly on-going process of constructing belonging and participation as a member of the group. The common objective of the process for individuals is to increase their subjective wellbeing, according to their individual values. However, refugees undergo an extreme case of integration, with all aspects of their life being impacted at once. Therefore, to gain more knowledge about the integration process from the perspectives of individuals, nine qualitative interviews were conducted with Syrian refugees living in Switzerland. This thesis then mobilises the capability approach to conduct a thematic comparison. The analysis revealed a common pattern among all interviewees which builds up into a 5-stages integration model, experienced by all interviewees in the same chronological order. Nevertheless, the personal capabilities and opportunities vary, resulting in different strategies to deal with a same context and similar objectives at a specific stage.

Keywords

Wellbeing, integration, refugee, capabilities, strategies, Switzerland