published12. June 2022, 09:19
Free public transport, solidarity, rapid integration into the labor market: Dealing with Ukrainian refugees arouses envy. This is often unfounded, says a social scientist.
Envy is caused by social comparisons, says Katja Rost, a social scientist at the University of Zurich.
UZH/John Flury
“If you do worse than someone else, it leads to frustration, resentment and envy. However, this is often unfounded, because those affected only have a limited picture of the situation and refuse to tell the whole truth,” says Rost.
AFP
Refugee Ukrainians experience a lot of solidarity in Switzerland. For a long time they were able to use public transport free of charge and with the protection status S, rapid integration into the labor market is aimed at. This does not go down well with everyone: some develop resentment towards the war refugees. Posts are piling up on social media complaining that people would like to be able to afford a GA travelcard themselves or that they have been unemployed for years despite their best efforts.
In a 20 minute tiktok via Anya, who found an internship at 20 Minuten after fleeing Kyiv, many users are jealous in the comments. One commentator writes: “Colleague, I was registered with the RAV for six months and did not receive an interview. And then suddenly there is a war and Zack she has an internship. »
Where does the envy of Ukrainians come from?
According to the sociologist Katja Rost, envy is always a consequence of social comparisons. “If you do worse than someone else, it leads to frustration, resentment and envy. However, this is often unfounded, because those affected only have a limited picture of the situation and refuse to tell the whole truth,” says Rost. For example, commentators know nothing about the level of education of a refugee, which would make them better qualified for the position than Swiss nationals. “Those affected often look for someone to blame for their own failures – in this case the refugees.”
According to Rost, there are also prejudices and a generally negative attitude towards refugees. “The narrative that refugees are taking jobs from local people is widespread in certain parts of society. The great solidarity and support towards the Ukrainians further reinforces this. Many locals therefore have the feeling of being treated unequally.”
How does envy affect society?
“Unfortunately, it’s normal for a society to be characterized by envy,” says Rost. That leaves traces, for example in aggressive behavior. “At the end of the day, you can’t please everyone. Therefore, those affected by envy should try to compare themselves socially in another area in which they do better. » However, this is difficult, especially when it comes to existential issues such as work. “Only rarely does envy also have a positive effect, for example increased motivation to achieve something specific,” says the sociologist.
According to the federal agency for combating racism, discrimination and racism are part of everyday life for refugees. “The S status gives many the feeling that Ukrainian refugees are given preferential treatment, for example when it comes to access to work,” says Marianne Helfer. “When people see privileges such as easy access to the labor market threatened, conflicts or racist statements can arise.” The head of the Office for Combating Racism cannot express in figures how severely Ukrainian refugees are affected by discrimination. But there are many positive signs. “The fact is: Solidarity is still very high.”
“Fear of job loss is solidifying”
The refugee aid and the Foundation against Racism (GRA) are not aware of any cases of discrimination against Ukrainian refugees. Nevertheless, it is unfortunately a well-known phenomenon that a small part of the population thinks that refugees are better off, says Pascal Pernet, President of the GRA. “In addition, there is the current economic uncertainty. This reinforces the idea that refugees are taking jobs away from local people.” However, a look at the unemployment rate shows that this argument is unfounded: “Ultimately, it is easier to make a minority the scapegoat. Unfortunately, history has proven this time and time again.”
Are you or someone you know concerned about the war in Ukraine?
Here you can find help for yourself and others:
Registration and information for host families: