Date of Award

8-2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Sociology

First Advisor

Mathew Gayman

Second Advisor

Erin Ruel

Third Advisor

Deirdre Oakley

Abstract

Atlanta has been a site of refugee resettlement since the 1970s and is hailed by many in the resettlement community as having conditions supportive to newcomers: a history of resettlement service providers, a higher-than-average self-sufficiency rate, and a favorable climate. Resettlement here is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

However, Atlanta is plagued by issues that affect newcomers as they navigate everyday life. Among these issues are Atlanta’s history of racial segregation; land use patterns that discourage non-automotive travel; and disconnected mobility resources. Together, Atlanta’s spatial, transportation, and mobility landscape makes reaching locations during resettlement difficult for newcomers, especially those who do not have a personal vehicle.

In addition to Atlanta’s unique spatial, transportation, and mobility factors, women, mothers, and newcomers have unique mobility needs and face extra barriers to accessing transportation. To name a few, women and mothers need mobility options that support traveling with children and shopping bags. Newcomer women are often spatially isolated from mobility resources and face language barriers when using public transportation. As such, destinations around the city (such as groceries, schools, service offices, and work) may not be accessible via public transit routes for many newcomers.

To better understand how physical space, transportation options, and personal mobility affect the process of resettlement in the Atlanta metro area, I conducted 30 in-depth interviews with women through the help of a staff member at a local resettlement organization. Several overarching themes emerged from the women’s stories around resettlement, especially that driving is necessary for successful resettlement. Being able to drive was also found to shape women’s self-concept as independent and helpful members of the community.

Several additional themes emerged that give insight into women’s resettlement experiences, including (1) women sacrificing work because of mobility challenges; (2) resettlement conditions shaping and reinforcing a gendered division of labor; (3) the lack of childcare impacting women’s work and education; and (4) missing out on English education hampers taking advantage of other opportunities. Given the issues women face when resettling in Atlanta, I propose potential policy changes such as greater support for English education, affordable childcare, and driving instruction.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/37372305

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