Impact of spatial dispersal on refugees in Denmark

by Fair, Linda Scharn, Ph.D., Rutgers The State University of New Jersey - New Brunswick, 2006, 369 pages; AAT 3240210

Abstract (Summary)



Western European countries have enacted spatial dispersal policies for refugees and asylum-seekers within their borders. Even though Denmark has had policies of spatial dispersal since 1986, little qualitative research has been conducted on their efficacy. Via semi-structured, in-depth interviews with asylum-seekers, refugees, governmental agencies, municipal workers and volunteers, the research concentrates on the impact of the current spatial dispersal policy on refugees in Denmark. The 1998 Act on Integration made spatial dispersal compulsory for refugees and also mandated that they must live in their assigned municipality for three years---or forego social welfare benefits---and that they must participate in a three year introduction program consisting of Danish language lessons and introduction to the Danish labor market. The research addresses three questions. First, what are the effects of the 1998 spatial dispersal policy on refugees? Using theories of assimilation as a guide, the second question asks how does the spatial dispersal policy aid or hinder "integration?" Extrapolating from the model of spatial assimilation, the third question asks if accelerated spatial assimilation is possible. Interviews took place in Northern Jutland, a relatively isolated area, which has received many refugees since enactment of the current spatial dispersal policy. Interviewed refugees came from the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The interviews revealed that for the most part spatial dispersal to Northern Jutland was not an effective method of integration. Findings revealed governmental policies at cross-purposes. The Danish Government states that the best route to integration is via participation in the labor market; yet, spatial dispersal is placing refugees in a region of the country where it is difficult to find employment. The Danish Government places great importance on imparting to the refugees an understanding of the "fundamental values and norms of Danish society," including concepts of democracy and equal rights; yet, the spatial dispersal policy lies on the edge of violating human rights by taking away the refugees' rights to choose their own places of residence. Lastly, it appears that spatial dispersal is a politically, and perhaps racially, motivated policy with refugees being used as scapegoats to solve the "immigrant problem."