Original scientific paper

The Potentials of Refugee Families Prior to Return

Josip Janković ; Social Work Study Centre, Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

The paper analyses estimations of the potentials that refugee families have prior to their return to their home areas. In view of their long separation, incompleteness and "social mobilisation" over several years, return poses new problems to such families. Since mothers had been in the best position during the war to bring together and organise the other members of their families, it was assumed that they would also be the most able in organising return to the home areas. The capability of mothers for this task was therefore important in the given context. In order to determine this aspect appropriate measuring instruments were used. Analysis was made in regard to competence in four roles that represent the basis for rendering the family functional: the parental role, the family − homogenising role, the helping role in regard to members returning from the battle field, and the potential in attaining material goods. Estimations were made by experts-helpers, who were in constant communication with mothers during five years of refugee status. The validity of their estimations was compared with estimations of the success of respondents during the refugee period. This reduced the sample to 33 respondents for individual variables, but it also increased the value of the estimation. The attained results show that the necessary potentials are present, for the most part. Success in handling problems during the refugee period correlated to a statistically significant degree with the parental potential (t=0,007), although r=0,421. The homogenisation potential of mothers and success in adaptation to new conditions during the refugee period was even more correlated (r=0,674; p=0,001). The level of distance was significantly correlated with the level of parental (r=0,325 - p=0,037) and homogenisation potential (r=0,334 - p=0,033), in that higher potentials mean also a lower social distance. On the basis of the attained results it is possible to conclude that estimates of well trained evaluators and persons who know family conditions are solid indicators of the family situations. Practically it is also possible to conclude that mothers, or wives of soldiers engaged in defence, have an excellent potential for organising the successful return of refugee families, and that preparations for return should be directed to educating them in the helping role and in strengthening already existing abilities.

Keywords

refugees; return; family; potentials; social distance

Hrčak ID:

126622

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/126622

Publication date:

30.6.1997.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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