Measuring the cost of integrating refugees
The journal collates articles from well-known researchers from throughout the Nordic Region in an attempt to shed light on the problem, with a clear focus on refugees. Earlier research looked primarily at all those from a foreign background, not just refugees.
The topic of the journal is especially relevant at the moment, and therefore also rather sensitive. One of the authors, Joakim Ruist from the University of Gothenburg, notes in the introduction to his article that research into the social cost of refugees and their social benefit if the are well integrated in the receiving country is often used for political purposes, and angled differently depending on political preferences. It is therefore important to consider carefully what kind of studies researchers embark upon and publish.
“As researchers, our work is not to scrutinise anything and everything, from every conceivable point of view, just because we can,” writes Ruist. “We have to be sure that our research really is useful. We need to be precise about each and every detail so as that the usefulness of the research is made clear. Furthermore, we have to ensure that communication surrounding the research makes its usefulness clear to readers.”
The journal is being launched in conjunction with a seminar at Nordic House at the Secretariat to the Nordic Council of Ministers in Copenhagen on 26 April. The seminar is open to the public. Please register via this link or by sending an e-mail to johanna.feuk@nordregio.se by 21 April.
The seminar will be held in English.