Transforming Survivor Guilt into Social Activism: Ukrainian Women Refugees in Germany
Transforming Survivor Guilt into Social Activism: Ukrainian Women Refugees in Germany

Summary/Abstract: This study explores how Ukrainian women refugees in Germany transform survivor guilt into social activism. Drawing on a meso-sociological and emotional framework, we identify three interrelated guilt dimensions—perceived injustice, feelings of betrayal for leaving Ukraine, and helplessness—that catalyze solidarity, national identity, and civic engagement. Through qualitative analysis of open-ended survey responses and case studies, we show how these emotions evolve into purposeful action within a supportive host environment shaped by Germany’s historical memory. While this inherited guilt does not directly cause activism, it creates conditions that enable emotional processing and empowerment. We conceptualize this transformation through the Spiral Model of Survivor Guilt Transformation into Social Activism (SGTSA), which integrates Mezirow’s transformative learning theory. The model traces an iterative process beginning with disorientation and moving through reflection, identity reconstruction, and collective action. Our findings highlight the generative potential of survivor guilt as a driver of refugee-led social change.

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