A tree is not a tree without its leaves... Exploring integration and belonging among south Sudanese Australians in Canberra

Abstract

Increasingly people move across borders in attempts to resettle in unfamiliar environments. Often these people are refugees, fleeing familiar settings due to conflict, war, political persecution or environmental changes. In their new location, they are expected to integrate and develop a sense of belonging. This integration is mainly concerned with a two-way process of adapting and settling, with measurable outcomes such as citizenship, employment, political participation, housing and access to welfare (Ager and Strang, 2008:26; Atfield et al., 2007; Castles et al., 2002). Belonging is often discussed as the expected end-result of this integration process where a sense of shared values and understanding is cultivated (Vasta, 2009), a sense of home, community and acceptance is achieved (Hamaz and Vasta, 2009); and feelings of connectedness realised (Atfield et al., 2007). This thesis argues that analyses of integration and belonging are intertwined, combining structural outcomes of an integration process and the emotional aspects of belonging. Integration is analysed as an experience for new arrivals, while belonging is analysed as the affective state of this experience. The research examines the experiences of South Sudanese Australians establishing their new lives in Canberra, Australia. Data was gathered through face-to-face interviews as well as observation and participation. I use Ager and Strang's (2008) theoretical framework of integration where ten 'domains' are identified to analyse possible outcomes. Into this framework I introduce the concept of belonging as the emotional aspect, which involves the interplay between self, agency and structural positioning (Hamaz and Vasta, 2009). The majority of participants' narratives revealed that integration and belonging occur when people feel a sense of equal opportunity in quotidian and mutual interactions with others. Experiences of recognition and mutuality emerged as essential for the development of a sense of belonging in the participants' narratives. These experiences differed among the participants, particularly with regard to their gendered position within social structures. Through emphasizing the co-constitution of integration and belonging, and the interdependence between self, agency and structural position, my data revealed how experiences of mutuality in social relations (social capital) can lead to a sense of common belonging in a new country. Show more