The influence of perceived economic downgrading on commitment system change: A narrative study on first-generation Afghan refugees in the Netherlands
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2022-06-29
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en
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This study explored how refugees perceive economic downgrading, which entails the devaluation and concurrent lower returns for their education and skills, and how this influenced their commitment to their work and core family. To do so, this study adopted the Commitment System Theory (CST) to study multiple commitment bonds of first-generation Afghan refugees. In total, 29 life stories of first-generation Afghan refugees in the Netherlands were obtained through interviews. Consequently, the narrative analysis was applied to 14 life stories of participants with prior education and work experience. The findings demonstrate that core family commitment continues to be an important element in the commitment systems of first-generation Afghan refugees, despite significant career changes. Furthermore, most refugees in this study found employment to which they feel committed. On the other hand, due to the inability to realize work-related dreams, some participants felt a hindrance in feeling a true commitment to their current employment. This signals the importance of supporting refugees in finding meaningful work in the host country.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen