Major
Political Science
Second Major
Women’s Studies
Advisor
Marc L Hutchison
Advisor Department
Political Science
Advisor
Rosaria Pisa
Advisor Department
Women's Studies
Date
5-2024
Keywords
Syrian Refugees, Rhode Island, Women, Displacement, Education
Abstract
The Syrian Civil War, which erupted in 2011 with pro-democracy protests, precipitated significant turmoil and displacement throughout Syria. As a result, over 6 million Syrians became refugees, with an additional 7.2 million internally displaced within the country. With 70% of the population requiring humanitarian assistance and 90% living below the poverty line, the crisis remains dire.
Since 2015, the United States has welcomed nearly 30,000 Syrian refugees, including 168 individuals resettled in Rhode Island between 2016 and 2017. Collaborating with agencies like Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island and the Diocese of Providence, the Refugee Resettlement program aims to support refugees' employment, self-sufficiency, and integration through services such as resettlement, cultural transition, language education, job development, and social services. Additionally, organizations like the Refugee Dream Center and A HOPE provide further assistance in education, employment, and advocacy.
This study investigates the cultural adaptation and integration of Syrian refugees in Rhode Island, focusing on factors like age, gender, and societal norms and their impact on educational attainment. Interviews and a survey with 18 respondents shed light on how women, often not burdened with financial responsibilities, prioritize and complete their education, leading to greater success post-resettlement. In contrast, men, culturally expected to be financial providers, encounter challenges in completing their education, resulting in limited economic opportunities and low-paying jobs. These findings underscore the profound influence of societal expectations on refugees' educational and economic outcomes, particularly for men.
Comments
Thank you to Dr. Roya Izadi in the Political Science Department for supporting me and helping me complete this honors project. Without her, I would not have been able to do it. For anyone who needs help or would like to talk about this project, please email me at linaaltaan060@gmail.com.