Adaptation models of Ukrainian refugees in Germany

Abstract

The integration of Ukrainians refugees into European states is one of the most pressing challenges of current host country policies. Ukraine, on the other hand, is looking forward to their return and their participation in the reconstruction of the country. What are the plans of Ukrainians themselves? How ready are they to integrate into European societies and labor markets? What adaptation models are employed by displaced people from Ukraine? These questions were investigated by the authors using the grounded theory approach and k-modes clustering based on qualitative interviews conducted with Ukrainian refugees in Germany in the first months of the war. Based on the results of our analysis five adaptation models of refugees from Ukraine were identified: ‘Passive expectation of return’, ‘Active expectation of return’, ‘Uncertain and open-minded’, ‘Frustrated with Ukraine and moving on’, and ‘Conscious migration’. The necessity of targeted policies for different clusters of Ukrainian refugees was justified.