Social Connections and Resettlement Experiences of the Chinese Refugees in the United Kingdom: Implications for Policy and Practice

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to identify the social connection patterns, social network, and the level of trust and reciprocity (opportunity to give help and contribute) of the Chinese refugees in Glasgow, Scotland. Participatory exercises, such as social mapping and card sorting tasks, were conducted with 15 participants. Interviews with two staff members of the Chinese Community Development Partnership (CCDP), a local voluntary organization, were conducted to elicit information about this population. Key findings include a low awareness of formal services in the host country, strong bonding with friends from their ethnic group for some participants, lack of trust and engagement, and overall lack of opportunity to give reciprocal help in the host country. Strong bonds within the same ethnic group do not necessarily lead to strong bridging and linking capital for the participants, as Putnam (2000) suggested. On the contrary, it might perpetuate isolation and lack of access to information in the local community. Findings can shed light for the government and agencies to come up with practical strategies to enhance social development with more extensive resources and services for this population.