SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN UKRAINE: PERCEPTIONS FROM IDPS VS. THE HOST POPULATION
SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN UKRAINE: PERCEPTIONS FROM IDPS VS. THE HOST POPULATION

Summary/Abstract: The social integration of internally displacedpersons in Ukraine is analysed based on 5 dimensions ofsocial integration: economic, political and religious, social,socio-psychological, and integration into cultural andsports life. The study was conducted using a nationallyrepresentative sociological survey of internally displacedpersons (500 respondents) and the population of hostcommunities (850 respondents). Differences in theperception of integration are investigated based oncomparing the assessments of internally displacedpersons and the population of the host communities. Thehighest integration is obtained in the socio-psychological,political and religious dimensions. The lowest level is inintegration into community life. An important empiricalresult is the lower scores of the population compared toIDPs in almost all 21 criteria for integration. This is anindirect sign of significant social distance and lowerreadiness of the population of host communities,compared to IDPs themselves, to seek opportunities forinteraction. The cluster analysis reveals the links betweenthe most significant factors for successful integration:mutual respect between IDPs and local residents,tolerance, active engagement in local policy-making, andsupport for country defence. The most crucial obstaclesto successful integration according to IDPs’ judgementsare lower possibilities compared to the local population inparticipation in projects aimed at local communities’development (65,3%), entrepreneurship development(60% of responses), and participation in decision-makingregarding the community development (55,9%). Thefindings are important for developing policies to reducethe social exclusion of IDPs in areas where integration isbelow average.

• Details
• Contents