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Berliner Institut für empirische Integrations- und Migrationsforschung

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin | Berliner Institut für empirische Integrations- und Migrationsforschung | 9. Between Camp and Lease – Different housing conditions and their potential for integration. A study on the housing situation of refugee women

9. Between Camp and Lease – Different housing conditions and their potential for integration. A study on the housing situation of refugee women

Federal, state and local levels of government are currently discussing questions related to housing mainly as logistical and financial challenges. Beyond this understanding of a mere provision of accommodation, housing is a crucial factor in the arrival process. Amongst the small number of existing studies on the housing situations of refugees in Germany (Wendel 2014, Aumüller et al. 2014), the experiences of female refugees have yet to be examined. The central question of the project is: Which kind of institutional, social and emotional potentials do different kinds of accommodation and housing offer for female refugees? Berlin and Dresden have been chosen as study sites.

Research methods

In order to answer questions about the effect of different housing conditions onto social and societal integration of refugee women, in the first part of the project we will deal with the perspectives of local administrations and volunteer organizations.

In semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in Administration we survey concepts of accommodation and plans for future housing provision. In interviews with representatives of non-governmental and volunteer organisations, we explore what role volunteers play in facilitating housing for refugees. In all interviews, the focus lies on the extent to which stakeholders and structures are sensitive to the specific needs of refugee women (safety, protection against discrimination, family friendliness).

The second part of the project includes the perspective of refugee women. In interviews with refugee women, living in different housing conditions, we aim to explore, to what extent the forms of temporary accommodation meet refugee women’s needs. Does the kind and location of housing offer access to networks and resources such as support by civic organizations, social and legal advice services or social networks? How do the women experience and use the neighborhood in which they live? Do they feel safe and accepted there or are they confronted with discrimination and aggression? Do these factors support or hinder the process of integration within the local environment? In which kind of housing would the women like to live in the future?