Challenges caused by patriarchal social structure, upbringing and gender roles among the younger generation in transition
Vienna (OTS) – On behalf of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) examined the realities of life and the status of integration of Chechens in Austria. The research report provides insight into the living environments and perspectives of mainly young and female Chechens. The focus is on the influence of various factors such as family, gender roles, education and work on the integration of Chechens in Austria. The research report is based on qualitative interviews with predominantly women of Chechen origin as well as group discussions with male young people of Chechen origin.
Equality: adherence to the traditional role models of men and women
Deeply anchored patterns and behavior of the Chechens are particularly challenging for integration in Austria. This results in a strict demarcation between private and public, gender separation and a patriarchal family model. This is particularly expressed in a strong understanding of “masculinity”: Chechens see themselves as having a responsibility to represent their family and, if necessary, to defend it violently. In addition, they expect Chechen women to behave in a moral manner, which includes, for example, adhering to unwritten clothing regulations. Male respondents sometimes see “educational influence” as appropriate when women engage in deviant actions and feel responsible for protecting them.
Upheaval: Younger generations are beginning to question traditional Chechen lifestyles and patriarchal family structures
These patriarchal structures are partly being broken down by the younger generation. She strives to find a balance between social control, external expectations and personal goals. While the second generation has significantly more trust in the Austrian constitutional state and the executive branch, older people continue to show more distrust of Austria’s structures. In addition, the generation socialized in Austria in particular actively deals with family-related influences. Younger Chechen women are striving for a different form of upbringing for their own children: they want their sons to help out in the household and to give their daughters more freedom. The increased independence of second-generation women was repeatedly highlighted in the research report as a central theme and an area of tension between old and new family concepts.
Education and the labor market: Challenges in the labor market integration of Chechens
Statistics show challenges in integrating Chechens into the labor market. The importance of apprenticeship training and school leaving certificates tends to be less important, especially among young Chechens, and the consequences for their future life are often not or only little considered. What should be emphasized positively is that employment is seen by working participants as an important factor for integration in Austria. Despite a strong connection to Chechen culture, the participants in the study feel part of Austrian society and also consider Austria to be their home; the living conditions and opportunities in Austria are valued.
ÖIF support offers for the Chechen community
Due to the deeply anchored patriarchal structures, support offers specifically for Chechen women are helpful for integration in Austria. The ÖIF offers seminars, consultation hours as well as interpreting and support services in integration centers nationwide. The women’s centers in Vienna and Graz are also contact points for women with refugee and migrant backgrounds and bundle offers on topics such as education, work, self-determination, violence prevention and health. The ÖIF offers a range of support services for working and learning German: In addition to ÖIF career platforms, which connect job-seeking participants in ÖIF German courses directly with companies that need workers, the ÖIF also provides immigrants with seminars and consultation hours with experts on the subject of careers – and educational opportunities available. The ÖIF also offers mentoring programs such as KOMPASS and “Mentoring for Migrants” as well as application training and CV checks. School visits by ZUSAMMEN:ÖSTERREICH with integration ambassadors aim to break down prejudices at a young age and to provide information about topics such as opportunities in Austria, equality and self-determination of the genders.
New: ÖIF fact sheet “Chechen population in Austria”
Figures, data and facts about Chechens in Austria can be found in a compact and clear manner in the new ÖIF fact sheet “Chechen population in Austria”. The population with a Chechen migration background in Austria is estimated at 30,000 to 40,000 people. Chechens are considered citizens of the Russian Federation, which is why an exact census is not possible. This means that, after France, the second largest Chechen community in Europe currently lives in Austria. Most Chechens came to Austria as refugees during and after the second Chechen war (1999-2009).
Anyone interested can download the research report “Chechens in Austria – Life and Integration” and the new ÖIF fact sheet “Chechen population in Austria” free of charge ÖIF media library download.
Questions & Contact:
Austrian Integration Fund
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presse@integrationsfonds.at
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