Citation

da Silva Rebelo MJ, Fernandez M, Meneses C. J. Soc. Work 2021; 21(5): 1142-1162.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1468017320949377

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

SummaryAnger, hostility and mistrust towards refugees, asylum-seekers and immigrants (hereafter migrants) are increasing across most Western societies. Media discourse, tough migration laws, and the escalation of right-wing views across Europe, all manifest a desire to exclude those who are seen as a threat to national interests and identities. The literature repeatedly confirms that discrimination has a harmful impact on the general well-being of migrants, while often weakening their trust on helping professionals. Social workers are among the professionals most often in contact with migrants, making them important actors in the field of migration.

FINDINGSThis qualitative study was conducted in Madrid (Spain) and follows the interpretative phenomenological analysis approach.

FINDINGS revealed that Muslims and Blacks are the groups facing the most intense racial hostility. Emotions like fear, sadness, learned helplessness, frustration, rejection, anger, and general mistrust were underlined by participants. Some migrants highlighted negative coping mechanisms like isolation, aggressive impulses, approaching mafias, and risk behaviours, leading to further rejection from host societies, and thus initiating a vicious circle of hostility.ApplicationThese findings constitute a modest contribution to the literature, as they result from an integration of migrants? and helping professionals? perspectives. Several suggestions are put forward for social workers and other professionals. The two most significant suggestions are that professionals (a) use their field experience to raise awareness about racial hostility towards this population, and (b) help identify migrants who may rely on negative coping strategies and so prevent adverse consequences for both migrants and host societies.

Language: en

Keywords

asylum seekers; discrimination; immigrants; refugees; Social work; social work practice