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Central Capabilities to Well-Being in the Context of Forced Migration: A Scoping Review of Capability Approach-Based Literature

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  • Areen Nassar

    (University of Jyväskylä, Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius)

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the Capability Approach-based literature relevant to forced migrants’ valued capabilities to well-being. Its primary aim is to identify the capabilities that are of centrality to well-being within the context of forced migration. This research applies Naz’s (2020) methodological argument, identifying the elements of the ideal list of capabilities to well-being by reviewing literature, in the context of forced migration. Following Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) methodological framework for scoping studies, seven electronic databases were searched, resulting in the inclusion of ten peer-reviewed journal articles in this research. Using descriptive and thematic data analysis methods, this study reveals that forced migrants value three key capabilities: the Capability to Legality, which involves being able to be legally recognised and secure; the Capability to Education, which emphasises being able to be educated at various levels of learning; and the Capability to Sociality, which encompasses being able to be socially connected. While broader scoping reviews and further empirical studies are still highly recommended, the capabilities identified in this review have the potential to inform policies and services relevant to the context of forced migration, ultimately improving the overall well-being of forced migrants in host societies.

Suggested Citation

  • Areen Nassar, 2025. "Central Capabilities to Well-Being in the Context of Forced Migration: A Scoping Review of Capability Approach-Based Literature," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 26(2), pages 771-790, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:26:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s12134-024-01202-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-024-01202-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ingrid Robeyns, 2005. "The Capability Approach: a theoretical survey," Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 6(1), pages 93-117.
    2. Phillimore, Jenny & Cheung, Sin Yi, 2021. "The Violence of Uncertainty: empirical evidence on how asylum waiting time undermines refugees’ health," SocArXiv mzsnf, Center for Open Science.
    3. Angela Paparusso & Tineke Fokkema & Elena Ambrosetti, 2017. "Immigration Policies in Italy: Their Impact on the Lives of First-Generation Moroccan and Egyptian Migrants," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 18(2), pages 499-546, May.
    4. Rutger Claassen, 2011. "Making Capability Lists: Philosophy versus Democracy," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 59(3), pages 491-508, October.
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    6. Amartya Sen, 2004. "Capabilities, Lists, And Public Reason: Continuing The Conversation," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(3), pages 77-80.
    7. Becker, Sascha O. & Ferrara, Andreas, 2019. "Consequences of forced migration: A survey of recent findings," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 1-16.
    8. Faith Mkwananzi & F. Melis Cin, 2020. "From Streets to Developing Aspirations: How Does Collective Agency for Education Change Marginalised Migrant Youths’ Lives?," Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 21(4), pages 320-338, October.
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