Social networks and well-being in a forced migration context – the role of inclusion practices in the receiving society

Social relationships are central to human functioning and well-being. In the case of forced migration, family and friendship structures are disrupted and need to be (re)built with the home country and receiving society. The present qualitative study focuses on the family and network structures of Ukrainian refugees in Luxembourg following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
A special focus lies on the role of specific support structures at the societal level. A commune organised host families providing practical and emotional support and set up the Ukrainian House as a central point for joint activities. Within this community, seven adult healthy Ukrainian refugees, aged between 45 and 78, five women and two men, were recruited. Central to our research was the question of how the forced migration impacted network structures and well-being. Following the convoy method (Kahn & Antonucci, 1980), the participants completed egocentric network charts, which were explored deeply in narrative interviews.
Not surprisingly, the network charts highlighted the importance of family members, but the migration context also produced changes in family dynamics. Many also included their host families in central positions on the network chart. Social bonds were thus formed, acting as social bridges. The activities offered by the Ukrainian House facilitated contacts, the development of social relationships and promoted activity-based coping. These and the organisation of collective remittances, helping and providing support to Ukrainians in Ukraine, had an important effect on well-being.
The study shows the importance of social bonds, both within the home country and receiving society and the efficacy of the convoy method in bringing network structures to the surface. The efforts of the receiving society and, here, in particular volunteers in a particular commune show how inclusion processes can be facilitated – with beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders. The processes and implications will be discussed.