- Martin Gry Pedersen
4. term, Global Refugee Studies, Master (Master Programme)
Abstract
Through the last 10 years, the number of refugees that have arrived in Denmark has increased almost exponentially. As a result, gaining insight into their placement and the burden that this puts unto the receiving municipalities has become ever more important. This thesis describes and analyses the current distribution model that The Danish Immigration Services use in order to distribute refugees among the Danish municipalities.
Through the usage of qualitative data in the form of interviews, observations and secondary literature a method triangulation is achieved. The sample size of the empirical data is relatively small, however, because of the nature of the study, various elements within the distribution can be said to affect all municipalities regardless of geographical location. As such, some of the findings are considered as a general tendency while others should not be viewed as such. The thesis utilizes theories about burdensharing and public goods. these are adapted to describe distribution, and the subsequent burden, within Denmark. Through the main concepts, being that of equity and efficiency, the distribution regime is analyzed in accordance with the chosen methodology.
One of the main conclusion of the analysis within the thesis is that the expectancy behind the distribution and the actions of the municipalities differ. The municipalities interviewed all acted from a logic of consequences and therefore viewed the reception as a cost/benefit arrangement. Whereas the logic behind the intentionality and the legislation was one of logic of appropriateness, the opposite of consequences. By looking at various areas where this discrepancy had effects on distribution, the thesis analyzes what the implications are for efficiency and equity in the distribution. The position of the municipalities in the distribution regime is described by one of the interviewees:
“We are aware that we need to shoulder our part of the burden. But we do so under the circumstances that is put upon us”. (Transcript 1:5)
This highlights one of the major conclusion points: that the municipalities are the receivers of what can be said to be an almost ideal type wish for distribution but that they have to be more pragmatic in their approach to reception of refugees.
Through the last 10 years, the number of refugees that have arrived in Denmark has increased almost exponentially. As a result, gaining insight into their placement and the burden that this puts unto the receiving municipalities has become ever more important. This thesis describes and analyses the current distribution model that The Danish Immigration Services use in order to distribute refugees among the Danish municipalities.
Through the usage of qualitative data in the form of interviews, observations and secondary literature a method triangulation is achieved. The sample size of the empirical data is relatively small, however, because of the nature of the study, various elements within the distribution can be said to affect all municipalities regardless of geographical location. As such, some of the findings are considered as a general tendency while others should not be viewed as such. The thesis utilizes theories about burdensharing and public goods. these are adapted to describe distribution, and the subsequent burden, within Denmark. Through the main concepts, being that of equity and efficiency, the distribution regime is analyzed in accordance with the chosen methodology.
One of the main conclusion of the analysis within the thesis is that the expectancy behind the distribution and the actions of the municipalities differ. The municipalities interviewed all acted from a logic of consequences and therefore viewed the reception as a cost/benefit arrangement. Whereas the logic behind the intentionality and the legislation was one of logic of appropriateness, the opposite of consequences. By looking at various areas where this discrepancy had effects on distribution, the thesis analyzes what the implications are for efficiency and equity in the distribution. The position of the municipalities in the distribution regime is described by one of the interviewees:
“We are aware that we need to shoulder our part of the burden. But we do so under the circumstances that is put upon us”. (Transcript 1:5)
This highlights one of the major conclusion points: that the municipalities are the receivers of what can be said to be an almost ideal type wish for distribution but that they have to be more pragmatic in their approach to reception of refugees.
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 1 Aug 2016 |
| Number of pages | 64 |