A study of disillusionment in Polish families hosting refugees from Ukraine in 2022

This study explores the experiences of families hosting Ukrainian refugees following the Russian invasion. It uses narrative interviews with Polish hosts and reveals their experiences, from initial solidarity and pride to frustration and a sense of moral disappointment. The analysis identifies the phenomenon of disillusionment as hosts navigate the complexities of everyday life with their guests, contrasting initial expectations with face-to-face interactions during long-term sharing homes. The article also demonstrates how hosts’ narratives are rooted in the normative orders of domestic hospitality and humanitarian aid as different social patterns and how this affects their ultimate moral satisfaction. The findings contribute to understanding the dynamics of family hospitality as a form of humanitarian aid, offering insights into the mechanisms that foster and hinder solidarity between hosts and refugees. This research is relevant to the global challenges of supporting refugees in circumstances of mass influx.