Two-Speed Integration? A Comparative Analysis of Barriers and Resilience Strategies of Young Migrants in Vulnerable Conditions in Romania

Smaranda Cimpoeru, Monica Roman (), Vlad I. Roșca (), Elena-Maria Prada, Ioana Manafi and Laura Mureșan
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Smaranda Cimpoeru: Department of Statistics and Econometrics, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010374 Bucharest, Romania
Vlad I. Roșca: UNESCO Department for Business Administration, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010374 Bucharest, Romania
Elena-Maria Prada: Department of Statistics and Econometrics, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010374 Bucharest, Romania
Ioana Manafi: Department of Statistics and Econometrics, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010374 Bucharest, Romania
Laura Mureșan: Modern Languages and Business Communication Department, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010374 Bucharest, Romania

Social Sciences, 2023, vol. 12, issue 2, 1-23

Abstract: This comparative study focuses on the barriers to social and economic inclusion, as well as the integration and coping strategies of Arab and Moldovan migrants in Romania. We explored the integration barriers they face, the main individual and societal aspects that lead to their resilience, and their self-perception of vulnerability, by carrying out 35 psychosocial interviews and four focus groups with young migrants (aged 18 to 29), belonging to the two different subgroups (of Arab and Moldovan origins, respectively). The comparative analysis revealed that migrants from Arab countries face harsher integration barriers compared to Moldovan migrants, they have a more severe self-perceived vulnerability, and their integration may be a longer and more complex process. Results showed that mastery of the language and the network of acquaintances play an indispensable role in inclusion. Moldovans integrate more easily than Arabs, thanks to their fluency in Romanian, the native language shared with the majority local population, the geographical and cultural proximity to the country of destination, and the larger personal network. We highlight the need for improving integration policies for young migrants, tailoring them to the specific problems and barriers that migrants are facing.

Keywords: migration; integration strategies; social inclusion; barriers to integration; resilience (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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