Cultural Participation and Extra Disability and Health Costs of Syrian Migrants in Turkey

Giovanis, Eleftherios (2023): Cultural Participation and Extra Disability and Health Costs of Syrian Migrants in Turkey. Published in: International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care

Abstract

Purpose: The effects of disability are well recognised by the social security systems worldwide. This study aims to examine the disability and health-related costs of Syrian migrants in Turkey using the standard of living (SoL) approach. Design/Methodology: The empirical analysis relies on primary data collected from 1,067 Syrian migrants in Turkey, and we apply the ordered Probit model. The SoL is operationalized by frequency of attendance to a Turkish theatrical play or movie, inviting Turkish friends for food and attending a theatrical play or movie with Turkish friends. Findings: The findings show that health problems and disability are negatively related to the frequency of participation in socio-cultural activities. Moreover, employed, wealthier and educated Syrian migrants participate more frequently in the social and cultural activities explored. Practical Implications: The results show that the costs range between 9-38 per cent, which translates in monetary values between 3,700-10,700 Turkish Liras (TL) per annum or between 530-1,530 US Dollars (USD) expressed in 2020 values. These findings highlight the significant cost and burden that disability and health problems may put in migrant households. Social Implications: Policies encouraging immigrants to participate in socio-cultural events, particularly those with disabilities and health issues, may promote their integration into the host society’s social and cultural values. Furthermore, policies improving employment opportunities, income, and educational attainment of Syrian migrants may enhance their participation in socio-cultural activities. Originality: This is the first study exploring the disability and health costs of migrants related to integration and participation in cultural activities.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Disability and Health Costs; Mental Health; Standard of Living Approach; Syrian Migrants; Socio-Cultural participation
• Subjects: I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I1 - Health > I14 - Health and Inequality; I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I3 - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty > I31 - General Welfare, Well-Being; I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I3 - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty > I32 - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty; J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J1 - Demographic Economics > J15 - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants ; Non-labor Discrimination; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development > O15 - Human Resources ; Human Development ; Income Distribution ; Migration

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