BUSINESSES AS PLACES OF NORMALIZATION: THE DYNAMICS OF LABELING IN REFUGEES’ INVOLVEMENT IN THE INFORMAL SECTORS

Abstract

Refugees encounter difficulties in gaining acceptance into the social fabric of their host country due in part to negative perceptions held by society that can impede their integration. One of the main problems in Turkey regarding refugees is their inclusion in social life. This study aims to understand the mechanisms of normalizing refugees in the informal sector. Through a qualitative analysis of the relationships between refugees, Turkish workers, and Turkish employers using the symbolic interactionist approach, the research found that refugees and Turkish workers could establish a connection based on shared religiosity in the workplace. The individual struggles and challenges in the life stories of refugees and Turkish workers also brought the two groups closer. According to the research, employers are forming a pragmatic relationship with workers. In this pragmatic relationship, identity or nationality becomes irrelevant, and performance and cost-oriented expectations and interests come to the forefront. The requirement for labeled refugees to meet the pragmatic expectations of employers leads to their normalization.