The project’s aim of SALOMON NEXT STEP was to do research on relevant aspects of (in)security of migrants and the factors which influence the quality and quantity of perceived (in)security, fear and perceptions of threat.
In the project a qualitative study (36 problem-centered interviews with migrants) was conducted and a structured questionnaire to collect perceptions of threats was developed. In addition recommendations for science, policy, and practice were written. The project ended with a conference on November 20th, 2009, with the title “Fear as a foreigner: new challenges for security and migration research”.
The results of the SALOMON Next Step project confirm that (in)security and fear have multi-factorial causes in the eyes of migrants. They were perceived and described as multi-faceted. Especially combinations of an instable legal situation, the unsure status of right of residence, the phenomenon of discrimination, racism and islamophobia, and the relationship to the police and other official agencies are decisive for the perception of insecurity and fear.
Individual coping strategies and resources when exposed to pressure, fear, and insecurity are quite different. They vary from active problem solving strategies and search of professional and emotional support, passive agonizing over difficult situations and fearful withdrawal from social life, to the downplay of the importance of problems. Supporting social networks (friendships, stable partnerships, safe family relationships) gain importance and have the potential to absorb some of the general feelings of insecurity when migrating to a foreign country.
Duration: 7/2008 – 12/2009
Project leader
Maga. Ingrid Spicker, Forschungsinstitut des Wiener Roten Kreuzes
Other Project- or Cooperation partner
Univ. Prof. Dr. Alfred Pritz
Sigmund Freud PrivatUniversität (SFU)
Schnirchgasse 9a, 1030 Wien
Günther Ogris, M.A.
SORA Institute for Social Research and Analysis
Ogris & Hofinger GmbH
Linke Wienzeile 246, 1150 Wien
Contact
Maga. Ingrid Spicker
Forschungsinstitut des Wiener Roten Kreuzes
Nottendorfer Gasse 21
1030 Wien
Tel.: + 43 (01) 79 580 - 2426
Fax: + 43 (01) 79 580 - 9730
E-Mail: ingrid.spicker@w.roteskreuz.at
Internet: www.w.roteskreuz.at/forschungsinstitut
