Page 142 - IJPS-11-6

International Journal of
Population Studies Social inclusion for refugees

and interpretability (Park and Kim, 2022). Z-score process. This method allows for the identification of the
normalization (Equation I) was applied to the data most impactful indicators, enabling a focused analysis
for K-means clustering to ensure consistency with the of refugee integration efforts across host countries. The
hierarchical clustering approach. dendrogram highlights the hierarchical grouping of
The resulting clusters represent distinct profiles of integration indicators into clusters, emphasizing their
integration policies and outcomes, with each cluster relative importance. The selected indicators that represent
containing countries that exhibit similar patterns in social key dimensions of integration are shown in Table 5.
support, employment, and language proficiency. The The dendrogram provides a hierarchical grouping of
cluster composition and interpretation are detailed in the integration indicators, revealing their relationships and
results section. Both the dendrogram and the K-means relative importance:
analyses were conducted using STATISTICA 13 software i. Primary indicators: Employment rate (X ) and
12
(StatSoft, now part of TIBCO Software Inc., United States) language proficiency (X ) formed the closest cluster,
14
(Batrinca and Treleaven, 2014), providing robust insights indicating a strong interdependence. Employment
into the determinants of refugee integration and enabling often depends on refugees’ ability to communicate
detailed comparisons of host countries based on their effectively in the host country’s language, making
integration policies. these indicators crucial for socioeconomic integration.

4. Results Together, they reflect the direct impact of integration
policies and serve as key measures of success.
This section presents the findings of the study, focusing ii. Secondary indicators: Access to social services (X )
1
on the identification of key integration indicators and the and integration programs (X ) clustered together,
3
classification of host countries based on their integration highlighting the foundational role of support systems
policies and outcomes. The methodologies applied, in facilitating refugees’ access to basic needs and
including hierarchical clustering and K-means clustering integration pathways. Social ties (X ) and participation
17
were used to analyze the relationships among the indicators in social organizations (X ) formed a separate cluster,
16
and to group countries into meaningful clusters. emphasizing their interconnected yet distinct roles
in fostering community participation and long-term
4.1. Step 1: Identifying key integration indicators
using hierarchical clustering (Joining Tree social cohesion.
clustering) iii. Tertiary indicators: Indicators such as youth age group
distribution (X ) and higher education attainment
4
Figure 2 presents a dendrogram generated through (X ) were positioned further down the hierarchy.
8
hierarchical cluster analysis using the Joining Tree method These factors influence integration indirectly by
to identify the most significant indicators influencing the shaping opportunities and access to services, but are
integration of Ukrainian refugees in host countries. The less critical than primary and secondary indicators.
dendrogram visually organizes the relationships among
key integration indicators, showing their clustering based The dendrogram suggests that employment rate (X )
12
on similarity and relative contribution to the integration and language proficiency (X ) are the most significant
14
indicators, forming the basis for evaluating the success
of integration efforts. Access to social services (X ) and
1
integration programs (X ) is crucial for the initial stages
3
of integration, while social participation (X – X )
17
16
contributes to long-term inclusion and community
cohesion.
4.2. Step 2: Classification of host countries through
K-means Clustering
The analysis confirms that employment rate (X ) and
12
language proficiency (X ) are the most significant
14
indicators, forming the basis for evaluating the success
of integration efforts. Access to social services and
integration programs provides critical support in the
Figure 2. Dendrogram illustrating the hierarchical grouping of integration initial stages of integration, while social participation
indicators into clusters (cluster analysis using STATISTICA 13) contributes to long-term inclusion and community

Volume 11 Issue 6 (2025) 136 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.4502