Protective ties for integration: Schools as support hubs for Ukrainian refugee families
This study investigates the social ties of Ukrainian refugee families in Finland, Estonia, and Lithuania approximately two years since the start of the 2022 Russian invasion. With focus on social connections made via schools, we aim to better understand the Ukrainians´ integration, wellbeing, and support that these ties offer amidst ongoing challenges. Using egocentric social network analysis (SNA) and semi-structured interviews carried out in three countries, the research maps the connections of each interviewed family member and explores the roles of local and transnational networks in helping families to cope with displacement.
The results show that schools play an important role in facilitating connections among families, providing stability, and offering access to resources which are essential for the emotional wellbeing of children and young people. Schools also facilitate peer interaction. However, the children in our study typically needed to change schools several times which influenced friendships between school mates. The online presence of old friends and double schooling also played an important role in providing support, while erosion of social ties connecting the respondents to their previous contacts in Ukraine was reported as well. This erosion can lead to increased psychological distress, particularly among children.
