Double Marginalisation: An Uncharted Struggle for Identity

Abstract

Refugees encounter significant obstacles due to forced displacement which includes losing their homes, jobs, and social networks. They often face difficulties integrating into their host countries, grappling with cultural differences and employment challenges, and frequently experience systemic exclusion. Among these refugees, families with members with disability endure even more severe difficulties such as limited mobility, insufficient healthcare, and societal stigma. These additional challenges not only hinder their autonomy but also alter family dynamics, placing considerable pressure on caregivers and exacerbating their marginalisation. This study used Cognitive Dissonance Theory and Transactional Analysis to investigate the psychological and social challenges faced by refugees with disability. The novel The Beekeeper of Aleppo (2019) is a key text in this examination, portraying the compounded difficulties of refugee families through the character of Afra, who is blind.However, the research does not use empirical field studies or cross-cultural data across multiple refugee populations, and its scope is restricted to fictional representation within a single novel. This study highlights the critical need for inclusive refugee policies that acknowledge the specific vulnerabilities of disabled individuals. By addressing these inequalities, humanitarian initiatives can promote accessibility, independence, and dignity, leading to a more just and compassionate approach to refugee crisis.