Discourses and Policy Shapes Everyday Lives of Syrian Refugees Differently in Amsterdam and Seoul
This is the conclusion of sociologist Kyohee Kim’s PhD research, in which he compared the experiences and aspirations of home, community, and the sense of belonging of Syrian newcomers in both cities. His main finding: differences in policy and engagement of local society largely determine how refugees experience the host society.
In Amsterdam, initiatives like Startblok Riekerhaven and SET IJburg provide housing and support to help Syrian refugees integrate. Seoul, on the other hand, lacks targeted policies, leading to isolation and heavy reliance on the refugees' own Syrian communities.
According to Kim, the structure of Amsterdam’s housing projects encourages the development of social connections and a sense of belonging within Dutch society. In SET IJburg especially, valuable relationships form with local residents, resulting in positive experiences and a broader sense of home. In Startblok Riekerhaven, interaction with neighbors was more limited, but the possibilities of building community relations still offered a foundation.
The situation in Seoul is quite different. Syrian refugees there often withdraw into their own communities, such as in the neighborhood known as Car Town. Due to the absence of necessary governmental support and local engagement, they remain largely separated from South Korean society. “It’s difficult to develop the sense of belonging,” Kim says.
Kim’s research shows that integration requires more than just housing and job: policy choices, local initiatives, and societal openness play a crucial role. Kim urges policymakers to look beyond temporary solutions. “The everyday experience is largely shaped by how refugees are connected to the new environment.”
More information on the thesis
