Abstract
The goal of this study was to examine how individual, community, and socio-political mechanisms of discrimination intersect, manifest, and perpetuate in the lives of refugees in the United States. Using grounded theory, the authors present a systemic, intersectional model exploring refugees’ discrimination experiences based on individual interviews with 22 refugees and 23 staff members working with this population. Findings revealed that discrimination of refugees appears and functions (1) as individual perceived experiences, (2) within multiple axes of oppression, (3) through community environments, and (4) under socio-political contexts. Moreover, findings highlight the need to explore and understand how political and community climates perpetuate individual, interpersonal, institutional, and systemic discrimination of refugees. Implications for counselors and future research are discussed.
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Partial financial support was received from the University of Detroit-Mercy from 2019–2021.
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Appendix A
Appendix A
Interview Protocol for Both Refugee and Staff Members.
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1.
Please tell me a little bit about yourself (Nationality, age).
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2.
From your perspective, how would you describe mental well-being/happiness in refugees?
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3.
What do you think are the major challenges faced by refugees to maintain mental well-being as they migrate to the United States?
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Do you think refugees experience discrimination? Please explain your answer.
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What factors contributed to them overcoming these challenges?
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What resources help promote mental well-being among the refugee population?
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What other resources do you believe should be offered to refugees to promote mental well-being?
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8.
Is there anything that you would like to add or share with me today?
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Interiano-Shiverdecker, C.G., Kondili, E. & Bazzi, R. Refugees in Context: A Systemic, Intersectional Exploration of Discrimination in the United States. Int J Adv Counselling 44, 263–282 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-021-09457-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-021-09457-7