Opportunities and risks of mass tourism: A case study in the Canary islands

Abstract

This study investigates the economic integration of illiterate Afghan women refugees in Germany through the application of social business models inspired by Muhammad Yunus. Germany, as the fourth largest host country for Afghan refugees, faces significant integration challenges, particularly for women who encounter barriers such as illiteracy, cultural differences, and systemic obstacles in the labor market. Traditional integration methods, mainly focused on language acquisition, have proven inadequate for this demographic. Social business models, emphasizing skill utilization and economic participation, offer a promising alternative. These models create opportunities for illiterate individuals to contribute meaningfully to the economy, thereby enhancing their integration into society. By leveraging social business principles, Afghan women refugees can achieve economic independence, reduce reliance on government assistance, and foster a supportive community environment. The research employs a qualitative design, including semi-structured interviews with illiterate Afghan women refugees in Berlin, and a comprehensive analysis of literature on refugee integration, literacy, and social business models. Findings indicate that social businesses can significantly enhance economic opportunities and social inclusion for Afghan women refugees, providing them with viable pathways to improve their socio-economic status. The application of Yunus' social business principles in Berlin demonstrates the potential to address unique integration challenges, promoting economic empowerment and social cohesion. If successful for this group, the approach can be adapted to other refugee groups facing similar challenges. This study underscores the need for targeted integration efforts and offers practical policy recommendations for implementing social business models in Germany. Future research directions are suggested to further explore the structure of social business models in facilitating refugee integration