Refugees in Jordan: sociological perspective

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a thorough historical, legal, or political narrative of the refugee camps in Jordan. Design/methodology/approach – The study has analyzed three parts: the first part attempts to clarify Jordan's policy toward Palestinian refugees and their socioeconomic status in Jordan. The second part examines the refugee settlements in Jordan as social systems and applies Parsons' four functions system (AGIL). The third part analyzes the interrelationships between refugees and local host communities from the perspective of Coser's conflict functionalism. Findings – Results indicated that the Palestine refugees have found in Jordan a second home to protect them and help them to survive in dignity. And Coser's functional conflict theory seems more applicable to the refugee situation in Jordan than Parsons' theory. Originality/value – The study offers some new information and data about the situation of Palestine refugees in Jordan that are very limited or not offered in the libraries.Jordan, Middle East, Palestine