Social Capital and Refugee Resettlement in East Tennessee

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to highlight the value of social capital in refugee resettlement in relation to refugee health and well-being in the US. Refugee experiences are characterized by traumatic events and trajectories such as war, genocide, persecution, rape, imprisonment, violence and deaths, , family separation and frequent displacements, long periods in camps, and resettlements. In their new home, refugees continually experience social isolation and exclusion, conflicts with cultural expectations and mainstream institutions, role changes, cultural loses, and identity crises. Compounded by systemic dependence, structural barriers, and socially constructed expectations, systems and procedures are created which may discourage refugees from taking control of their lives. Data: Qualitative data used in this study is from the Burundi refugees (n=39) recently resettled in a smaller town in East Tennessee. Methods used: The data was collected through focus group discussions and community forum conducted November 2008-July 2009. The data was analyzed using the qualitative software, Atlasti 6.0. Major findings: Preoccupation with family reunification may hinder the process of economic and social integration and does affect the mental health of refugees through chronic stress and depression. Remaining a part of close or extended- familial networks is important in many ways including economic stability, care-giving for the sick, information sharing, employment connections, and a sense of belonging and cultural identity. Recommendations: Program planners, service providers, and policy makers must understand and consider relational context and parameters of social capital in which refugees reconstruct their lives in resettlement and integration in mainstream society.