Journal of International Development
Volume 31, Issue 3, 2019, Pages 225-230

What's Keeping Some from Seeking Asylum? A Field Report Exploring Determinants and Implications for Fostering a Social Contract for Young People in Afghanistan (Article)

Alemi Q.* , Smith V. , Montgomery S. , Stempel C.
  • a School of Behavioral Health, Department of Social Work & Social Ecology, Loma Linda University, San Bernardino, CA, United States
  • b East Bay, Department of Health Sciences, California State University, Hayward, CA, United States
  • c School of Behavioral Health, Department of Social Work & Social Ecology, Loma Linda University, San Bernardino, CA, United States
  • d East Bay, Department of Sociology and Social Services, California State University, Hayward, CA, United States

Abstract

We examined characteristics of Afghan youth who intend to stay in Afghanistan, a generation of young people critical to rebuilding the country. A survey of 232 young adults residing in Kabul assessed various demographic, health and psychological factors. The majority of participants reported that they had no intent to seek asylum, and our analyses showed that these individuals were financially stable, physically healthier, experienced less stress, resilient and more hopeful for their country's sociopolitical future when compared to those intending on seeking asylum. Findings provide justification for renewing a social contract that assures various protections and opportunities for social advancement. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Author Keywords

Resilience Asylum social contract young adults Afghanistan Hope poverty

Index Keywords

Afghanistan young population socioeconomic status demography poverty asylum seeker
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85053897222&doi=10.1002%2fjid.3401&partnerID=40&md5=15952ddc2e6b0a342c3f0974d314f7d9
DOI: 10.1002/jid.3401
ISSN: 09541748
Original Language: English