Europe, America, It’s Freedom

This study tackles one of the global problems of the modern world. People fleeing from the more and more severe and tenacious inner conflicts in their countries leave their homes behind and seek prosperity in other countries. This new home is often a neighboring country which also might be only the first step along the journey, but most of the refugees are heading to one final station: “developed western European countries”. The constant growth of the number of refugees in Europe and North America has compelled welfare states to create international laws. Th e Geneva Conventions that define basic rights of refugees were born more than fifty years ago, refugee camps were established which later turned into integration centers. Nowadays, it has become a complete vocation to help the integration of refugees. Methodological theories have also been shaped. However, the presence of “strangers” has resulted in social tensions and there is a growing protest again migrants (refugees or economic immigrants) even in countries that used to be tolerant and were once characterized by social solidarity. Therefore, we need to reconsider our views on integrating immigrants while taking into account the context of modern consumer societies (included Hungary). My own observations in a refugee camp have drawn my attention a number of small details. If we wish to help immigrants understand our culture, we also have to understand their culture, especially their self-reflections in the capital of a new, “developed” country completely different from their home country, culture and lifestyle. The “West”, that is, the modern, democratic, capitalist culture based on consumption has become a modern myth not only for people living in it but, due to globalization, also for those wishing to be there. This essay examines how this social context affects the integration of (juvenile and Muslim) refugees and it also looks at the various aspects that should be taken into account when creating methodologies for social integration.