Perceived Discrimination Among African Immigrants In Lithuania: Experiences, Impacts, And Integration Challenges

Abstract

The focus of the study is on the exclusion of African immigrants living in Lithuania and considers the role of everyday and institutional discrimination within the social exclusion and cultural integration framework. Other noteworthy findings show contrary to what traditional assimilation theories posit, prolonged residence does not aid in facilitating integration, rather it deepens exclusion, while economic security does little to alleviate discrimination's impact. Language emerges as a dual-edged sword, allowing access to communication, but simultaneously framing the limits of belonging. The research contributes to structural discrimination theory, minority stress theory, and cumulative disadvantage theory by evidencing exclusion is not an anomaly, but rather a systematic process that articulates itself through formal institutions and social relations. The findings deconstruct dominant policies addressing absence of integration and propose instead of focusing on inclusionary mechanisms, belonging needs to be reconceptualized at the core. If integration is to materialize, it should not remain inscribed only in political documents, but rather needs to be rooted in daily life, which ultimately requires change at societal and institutional levels.