The Tastes of Discrimination: A qualitative field study investigating experienced economic racial discrimination against Syrian refugees in Beirut, Lebanon

Abstract: Economic and racial discrimination goes hand in hand in the case of Syrian refugees in the labour market in Lebanon. Ever since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011, millions of the Syrian population has fled abroad, most of whom are currently residing in its neighbouring countries, Lebanon, Turkey, and Jordan. Lebanon currently has the largest number of Syrian refugees per capita, putting pressure on Lebanon’s already struggling institutions. Lebanon has opted of a non-encampment strategy and harsh legislation against Syrian refugees, minimising their legal status and rights, which makes it difficult for them to access public services and get legal residency, and work permits. Through a qualitative approach this field study will attempt to learn more about how Syrian refugees in Lebanon experience discrimination in the labour market and how this affects their economic situation, both mentally and physically. This is done by using Becker’s theory on the economics of discrimination (1971). The data was collected through snowball sampling, interviews and observations were conducted while in the field. The findings disclose a strong racial, employer, and governmental discrimination, among others, against the refugees, both by official legislation and by unofficial attitudes and languages. Experienced discrimination has impacted refugees through different forms of social and economic insecurities.