Stigma, social attitudes and social connections : the lived experience of young Middle-Eastern refugees in Melbourne

Purpose: In this paper, we discuss the perceptions of stigma, social environment and lived experiences amongst young Middle-Eastern refugees and the ways that they can successfully integrate into the Australian community. Methodology: Qualitative research including semi-structured interviewing and mapping methods was used to collect data from 10 young people who are refugees from the Middle-East living in Australia. Thematic analysis method was used to analyse the data. Findings: Despite instances of stigma and social attitudes that negatively influence their perceptions of their social environments, most participants held the belief that they were now living in a safe country, free from violence and oppression. Participant’s negative perceptions of Australian society generally revolved around financial and social barriers such as cultural differences and xenophobia. These barriers hindered them from adapting and forming connections with the Australian community. However, participants suggested ways that can assist them to integrate into the Australian society. These include the change in the political environment, more services, and cultural appropriation. Our findings indicated a dichotomy between participants who arrived by boat and those that arrived via visa protection. Participants that arrived by boat tended to report greater dissonance with Australian culture, and perceive negative attitudes from the society than those with visa protection. Practical Implications: By recognising and understanding these issues, appropriate policies and strategies can be implemented that can assist the young refugees to be able to integrate into Australian society with better ease and ultimately promotes their wellbeing. Originality/value: The voices of young people from refugee backgrounds are often silent in health and social care programs and policies. This paper contributes to knowledge about what young Middle- Eastern refugees face when attempting to integrate into a new country and what can be done to help them to be able to do so, which can be adopted in health and social care in the community.