Devrim Dumludag & Ozge Gokdemir - Turkey

Devrim Dumludag & Ozge Gokdemir - Turkey

The insight: Subjective well-being of immigrants, is mostly seen as their evaluation of the quality of life they experience in the host country. Research findings mostly reveal relatively low life satisfaction among ethnic groups, particularly in host countries in Europe. We need to move from isolation to integration.

The essence: When migrants are able to successfully integrate into their new surroundings, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and connection to their new home. This, in turn, can lead to greater overall life satisfaction and happiness. Nobody succeeds alone.

‘Making everyone feel at home benefits everyone.’

The joys of belonging

According to the World Migration Report, 281 million people are currently living outside their home country as international migrants, which is equal to 3.6% of the world's population. Professors Devrim Dumludag and Ozge Gokdemir, who have studied and work in Turkey, are researching the happiness of migrants abroad. Making migrants feel at home, benefits everyone.

Today, the world is composed of numerous ethnic groups, and this diversity will continue to increase. There are benefits to diversity. When migrants move from one country to another, they stimulate economic growth by bringing a new range of skills, creativity, and perspectives. The belief is that investing in integration policies will lead to more prosperous, cohesive, and inclusive societies in the long run, especially in Europe. For this purpose, several reports focus on the successful integration of migrants into society by maximizing their opportunities.

The integration of migrants into their new communities is crucial for their overall happiness and well-being. Successful integration allows migrants to feel a sense of belonging and connection to their new home, which leads to greater life satisfaction and happiness.

Native friends

Social contact and connections with others are essential for our overall happiness and well-being. Research consistently shows that individuals with strong social support networks and positive relationships tend to be happier and more satisfied with their lives. Our research findings reveal that migrants who frequently engage in positive interactions with individuals from the host country are more likely to develop a stronger sense of belonging and integration. Additionally, having native friends in the host country is likely to enhance satisfaction with the immigration experience.

In general, there are several reasons why social contact can have such a powerful impact on our happiness. Being around other people helps reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are significant risk factors for depression and anxiety. Socializing with others also provides a sense of belonging and connectedness, boosting self-esteem and overall well-being. It's important to keep in mind that everyone's social needs are different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some people may prefer to have a few close friends or family members, while others may enjoy being part of a larger social network. Ultimately, the key is to find the types of social contact and connections that feel meaningful and fulfilling to you, and to prioritize those relationships in your life.

Various sources

The uncertainty of belonging to the host country is a challenge faced by nearly all migrants. Our research findings demonstrate that the sense of belonging to the host country is an essential aspect of overall happiness and well-being, adding meaning and a sense of purpose. It's important to note that our sense of belonging can originate from various sources. Some individuals feel a strong sense of belonging to their family, while others may feel connected to their community or social group. Some people may even find a sense of belonging through their work or hobbies.

Ultimately, the successful integration of migrants is not only important for their own happiness and well-being, but also for the overall well-being of their new communities. By prioritizing integration efforts, we can create more inclusive and welcoming societies that benefit everyone involved.

Reflection

As the world continues to become increasingly diverse, integration policies play a crucial role in our overall happiness and well-being.

Action

By prioritizing our social connections and finding the communities that feel most meaningful to us, we can build a strong sense of belonging that supports our overall happiness and well-being.
Integration stands as a powerful determinant of life satisfaction in cosmopolitan societies. Unlock the potential of everyone together.
Improving proficiency in the language of the host society is essential for establishing social connections with others.
Sense of belonging and connectedness contribute to improved happiness. This invites engagement from both sides.
Policy makers should invest in integration policies not only to promote social cohesion but also to enhance the level of happiness among citizens and people within society.

Devrim Dumludag is a Professor of Economics at Marmara University in Istanbul (Turkey). He is currently visiting professor at Department of Economics and Microeconomics at Maastricht University (The Netherlands). He has made significant contributions to the Better Life Index in Turkey at the regional level and has led projects on migrants in the Netherlands, focusing on relative income, belonging, and social comparison.

Ozge Gokdemir is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at Istanbul University (Turkey). She is currently visiting scholar at Department of Microeconomics and Public Economics at Maastricht University (The Netherlands). Since 2009, she has conducted research on migration and happiness in collaboration with scholars from Erasmus University Rotterdam and Maastricht University.