This study aimed to explore the differences in self-perceived identities, perceptions of social inclusion and perceptions of social progression of Somali-born migrants entering and residing in the...Show moreThis study aimed to explore the differences in self-perceived identities, perceptions of social inclusion and perceptions of social progression of Somali-born migrants entering and residing in the UK. The study focuses on whether these differences exist depending on whether migrants arrive from the Netherlands, a Member State of the European Union (EU), or whether they arrive directly from Somalia, a nation outside of the EU. Literature concerned with Somalis residing in the UK, as well as specific literature focusing on Somalis leaving the Netherlands to migrate to the UK was used to contextualise the study. The research consisted of 18 face-to-face interviews carried in the UK: 10 interviews with individuals who arrived from Somalia and 8 with those that arrived from the Netherlands. Based on the data collected from these interviews, self-perceived identities between the two groups largely differ. Those arriving from the Netherlands typically disassociate from their Somali identity. Secondly, formulations of identity play a pivotal role in perceptions of social inclusion and social progression. On arrival those arriving from the Netherlands perceive themselves to be more socially included and have higher prospects of progressing in society. In terms of how these factors change over time, few conclusions could be drawn – though it appears that differences in country of arrival may become less important. Nevertheless, Somalis residing in the UK from both groups hold positive perceptions of how they are progressing in society.Show less
This thesis sheds light on a largely forgotten but nonetheless important group of refugees during the Cold War. The Chilean case study represents an anomaly in the traditional Cold War narrative....Show moreThis thesis sheds light on a largely forgotten but nonetheless important group of refugees during the Cold War. The Chilean case study represents an anomaly in the traditional Cold War narrative. Instead of escaping the presumed evil of communism the Chileans fled from an undemocratic right-wing military regime ultimately becoming the first major non-European refugees to apply for asylum in Western Europe after the Second World War. The Netherlands accepted around 1502 Chilean refugees whereas Ireland only admitted 107 Chilean refugees. Both countries had different approaches towards the reception of these refugees. This raises the following question: Why was the reception of Chilean refugees in the Netherlands so vastly different from the reception in Ireland, 1973-1990? This study adopts Karen Jacobsen’s analytical framework that identifies four key categories of factors that influence refugee policies. However, some adaptations were made in order to fit the individual context of both countries: 1) legal bureaucratic response; 2) national security considerations; 3) the treatment of refugees; 4) civil society; 5) and integration. These factors are discussed and analysed per case and its findings are based on primary sources of the National Archive of Ireland in Dublin, the National Archive of the Netherlands in the Hague, and the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam.Show less
