Social integration of internally displaced persons in Ukraine: Perceptions from IDPs vs. the host population

he social integration of internally displaced persons in Ukraine is analysed based on 5 dimensions of social integration: economic, political and religious, social, socio-psychological, and integration into cultural and sports life. The study was conducted using a nationally representative sociological survey of internally displaced persons (500 respondents) and the population of host communities (850 respondents). Differences in the perception of integration are investigated based on comparing the assessments of internally displaced persons and the population of the host communities. The highest integration is obtained in the socio-psychological, political and religious dimensions. The lowest level is in integration into community life. An important empirical result is the lower scores of the population compared to IDPs in almost all 21 criteria for integration. This is an indirect sign of significant social distance and lower readiness of the population of host communities, compared to IDPs themselves, to seek opportunities for interaction. The cluster analysis reveals the links between the most significant factors for successful integration: mutual respect between IDPs and local residents, tolerance, active engagement in local policy-making, and support for country defence. The most crucial obstacles to successful integration according to IDPs’ judgements are lower possibilities compared to the local population in participation in projects aimed at local communities’ development (65,3%), entrepreneurship development (60% of responses), and participation in decision-making regarding the community development (55,9%). The findings are important for developing policies to reduce the social exclusion of IDPs in areas where integration is below average.