This journal article looks at the experiences of refugee and asylum-seeking women and girls through the lens of social theories. The article presents three different theories: refugee theory, gender theory and social work theory. Refugee theory looks at the flight and settlement patterns of refugees and distinguishes between anticipatory refugees, who leave the region before the crisis escalates, and acute refugees, who flee after the situation has deteriorated. It also classifies refugees into three groups based on their attitudes towards their home country: majority-identified, event-alienated or self-alienated. The article then briefly outlines the four key areas of refugee integration in their host countries: Marks and Means, Social Connections, Facilitators and Foundations. The importance of integration and the institutional environment to the settlement and adjustment process is also highlighted. In addition, the article explores the application of gender theory to understand the experiences of refugee women and girls and the discrimination they face. In conclusion, the article highlights the importance for social workers to understand and apply these theories to improve the wellbeing of refugee and asylum-seeking women and girls.
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