Urban Refugees in the Dilemma of Integration and Differentiation: Syrian Refugees in Ar-Ramtha

Abstract

This study delved into the social acceptance process of urban refugees, investigating its significance as a pivotal barrier to their local integration. Following a comprehensive theoretical foundation, the research examined variables influencing refugee social acceptance and factors impacting this process, employing a survey method with a sample size of 519 individuals in Ar-Ramtha city. The analysis uncovered compelling insights. Overall, the study revealed a notably positive level of social acceptance toward refugees within the local population. Across various dimensions—community acceptance, expectations, adaptation, security, economic and legal integration, and social integration—refugees received moderately high mean scores, indicating a generally favourable perception of their integration within the community. Moreover, the hypotheses scrutinising the influence of demographic and socio-economic factors—gender, marital status, age, education level, and income—on social acceptance levels produced intriguing results. These factors showcased no significant impact on the perceived social acceptance among refugees. Despite diverse backgrounds, refugees experienced a relatively uniform level of social acceptance, suggesting a more inclusive and consistent attitude towards their integration within Ar-Ramtha. Understanding these findings is pivotal in fostering an environment that embraces and supports the integration of refugees into the local community.