Refugee Inclusion and the Fragmentation of Social Belonging in Developed Host Nations

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Published: 2023-07-16
Keywords:
refugee inclusion, symbolic boundaries, social trust, integration policy, cultural adaptation, democratic citizenship, host society perception

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Al-Araf Assadallah Marzuki
Sunan Giri University of Surabaya, Indonesia
Rommy Hardyansah
Sunan Giri University of Surabaya, Indonesia
Didit Darmawan
Sunan Giri University of Surabaya, Indonesia

Abstract

This paper examines the persistent disconnection between refugee social integration objectives and the actual lived experiences of inclusion in developed host societies. Drawing upon interdisciplinary literature and empirical studies, the analysis reveals that while policies often address structural dimensions such as legal status, employment, and language training, they neglect relational and symbolic aspects that define authentic social integration. Factors such as cultural misalignment, symbolic boundaries, political rhetoric, institutional fragmentation, and media framing significantly influence the extent to which refugees experience genuine belonging. The study highlights the need to shift integration paradigms beyond administrative targets toward more nuanced approaches that emphasize interpersonal trust, cultural recognition, and community engagement. Legal frameworks alone are insufficient without social environments that support reciprocity and mutual understanding. The findings encourage a redefinition of inclusion as a dynamic social process that demands not only policy refinement but also ethical commitment and institutional sensitivity. By illuminating the limitations in current integration frameworks, this paper contributes to ongoing discussions on equity, identity, and democratic inclusion within multicultural societies.

Article Details

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2023): Journal of Social Science Studies (JOS3)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Marzuki, A.-A. A. ., Hardyansah, R., & Darmawan, D. . (2023). Refugee Inclusion and the Fragmentation of Social Belonging in Developed Host Nations. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(2), 203-208. https://jos3journals.id/index.php/jos3/article/view/272

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