Factors to Consider in Syrian Refugee Families' Journeys to Social Inclusion: A Literature Review

Authors

  • Jennifer Dodd Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta
  • D. Jean Clandinin Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta
  • Gillian Vigneau Faculty of Education, University of Alberta
  • Hiroko Kubota Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta
  • Vera Caine University of Alberta

Keywords:

Syrian refugees, young children, families, social inclusion, schooling

Abstract

This paper offers a review of the research literature on the experiences of young children and their families who left Syria as refugees and resettled in Canada. We identify five key factors that influence Syrian refugees’ experience of social inclusion within the context of the public-school systems as well as unveil the silences in and across the current studies. The five factors are pre-arrival experiences, mental health, social supports, acquisition of English language skills, and lack of preparedness of teachers and schools. Based on limited availability of research, we outline needed research to better understand social inclusion of Syrian refugee families with young children in Canada. There is a call to pay particular attention to their educational and social encounters.

Author Biographies

Jennifer Dodd, Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta

PhD student, Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta

D. Jean Clandinin, Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta

Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta

Gillian Vigneau, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta

MEd student, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta

Hiroko Kubota, Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta

Postdoctoral Fellow, Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta

Vera Caine, University of Alberta

Professor, Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta

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Published

2022-02-15

How to Cite

Dodd, J., Clandinin, D. J., Vigneau, G., Kubota, H., & Caine, V. (2022). Factors to Consider in Syrian Refugee Families’ Journeys to Social Inclusion: A Literature Review. McGill Journal of Education / Revue Des Sciences De l’éducation De McGill, 56(1). Retrieved from https://mje.mcgill.ca/article/view/9862

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