In the last decade in particular, an increasing number of unaccompanied minor refugees (UMG) have arrived in Europe and Austria in the course of refugee movements. In the public perception, these mostly male adolescents have been stylised partly as a threat and partly as people in need of protection. This empirical study focusses on the experiences of young people seeking protection during their initial period in Austria. The central premise here is that Western societies are structurally organised in a racist way, whereby certain groups are disadvantaged on many levels. However, the aim is not only to emphasise the experiences of young people with anti-Muslim racism, but above all to show which mechanisms they have developed to deal with discriminatory structures. This work shows in which areas UMG adapt and where they resist. This is illustrated in the course of a qualitative analysis using intersectional multi-level analysis. This method makes it possible to shed light on discriminatory disadvantages in capitalistically organised societies and their effects on individuals. The UMGs interviewed reported non-transparent official structures, long waiting times, some of which had a negative impact on their mental health, discomfort in large neighbourhoods and the importance of a social safety net. The young people utilised various coping strategies, such as demonstrating a high work ethic, positive thought patterns, persistence in expressing needs and striving for self-efficacy. This work aims to provide an insight into the experiences of young refugees and emphasises the relevance of more transparent and equitable asylum and reception systems.
Date of Award | Sept 2024 |
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Original language | German (Austria) |
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Supervisor | Martina Tißberger (Supervisor) |
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Angekommen und Angenommen? : Eine intersektionale Mehrebenenanalyse der Erfahrungen unbegleiteter minderjähriger Geflüchteter bei ihrer Ankunft in Österreich
Kreuzmair, H. (Author). Sept 2024
Student thesis: Master's Thesis