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Barriers in Achieving Social Cohesion: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Edip Ayguler

    (Hacettepe University, Economics and Administrative Faculty of Sciences, Department of Social Work, Ankara Turkey)

  • Sema Buz

    (Hacettepe University, Economics and Administrative Faculty of Sciences, Department of Social Work, Ankara Turkey)

  • Bekir Guzel

    (Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Economics and Administrative Sciences Faculty, Social Work Department, Rize, Turkey)

Abstract

Turkey currently has a large number of asylum applications from asylum seekers demanding international protection and expecting to move on to third countries. The number of asylum seekers in Turkey increased dramatically following the mass immigration of refugees from Syria in 2011. This situation has led to some conflicts between the local community members and asylum seekers. It has become evident that all asylum seekers under international protection status and local community members should develop a mutual social cohesion process. To understand how to make social cohesion more successful and to reveal the deficiencies in existing social cohesion activities, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 NGO professionals and 15 non-Syrian asylum seekers. Taking a phenomenological approach, the resulting interview data were analyzed using the MAXQDA 12 program. Four themes emerged: (1) how participants define social cohesion; (2) how the insufficiency/deficiency of existing social cohesion activities affect social cohesion; (3) local community member factors that hinder social cohesion; and (4) asylum seeker factors that hinder social cohesion. The results suggest that, in order for social cohesion efforts to succeed, comprehensive cohesion policies must be developed and cooperation among stakeholders must be increased. It was observed that it is important that social cohesion activities are conducted with the equal participation of all parties, they are constructed on similarities across the groups, and planned in such a way that prejudices are reduced and cohesive neighborhood living is realized.

Suggested Citation

  • Edip Ayguler & Sema Buz & Bekir Guzel, 2021. "Barriers in Achieving Social Cohesion: A Qualitative Study," Journal of Economy Culture and Society, Istanbul University, Faculty of Economics, vol. 63(63), pages 339-357, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:ist:iujecs:v:63:y:2021:1:p:339-357
    DOI: 10.26650/JECS2020-0026
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yvonni Markaki & Simonetta Longhi, 2012. "What Determines Attitudes to Immigration in European Countries? An Analysis at the Regional Level," RF Berlin - CReAM Discussion Paper Series 1233, Rockwool Foundation Berlin (RF Berlin) - Centre for Research and Analysis of Migration (CReAM).
    2. Mulvaney-Day, Norah E. & Alegría, Margarita & Sribney, William, 2007. "Social cohesion, social support, and health among Latinos in the United States," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 64(2), pages 477-495, January.
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