We investigate how residential mobility and spatial context shape the multidimensional integration trajectories of refugees. Departing from neo-assimilation and cumulative (dis-)advantage theories, we develop a place-sensitive theory of (refugee) migrantsā stratified integration. We enrich the current understanding of context effects in refugeeās integration in three key areas:
1. We systematically investigate how (selective) residential mobility and exposure to places interact dynamically to shape refugeesā integration.
2. We focus on the heterogeneity of context effects across a) place-attributes, b) individual characteristics, and c) dimensions of integration.
3. In line with our theoretical approach, we pay particular attention to evidence for feedback-processes and increasing within-group stratification. Evidence on these points is necessary to shed light on the dynamic implications and the trade-offs of refugee integration policies suggested by prior studies.
Our empirical work centers on two groups: refugees from Middle Eastern countries who arrived in Germany between 2013 and 2019, and Ukrainians who fled to Germany after February 24, 2022, facing a different legal environment. The planned studies provide comprehensive analyses of multiple integration dimensionsālanguage, inter-ethnic contacts, sense of belonging, childrenās learning, labor market integrationāand of health and subjective well-being.
These analyses are enabled by a unique combination of longitudinal and geocoded experimental, survey and administrative data allowing for analyses at various spatial levels. We further enrich our data with granular information on neighborhood resources, such as (co-ethnic) immigrant enclave infrastructures (associations, migrant-led businesses, religious organizations). We employ a combination of causal, experimental and descriptive methodologies to test implications of the theory of stratified integration, and to evaluate its key components’ significance
