Ozge Yenigun

Ozge Yenigun

Ozge Yenigun’s research interests include immigration, civil society organizations, labor markets and economic development, with a geographic focus on Europe and the United States. She is interested in understanding how urban policies and planning can facilitate the social and economic inclusion of immigrant populations and other marginalized communities, while at the same time, identify and enhance the potential contributions of these groups to local economic development. She works with community organizations and local governments in Europe and the United States to help promote immigrant inclusion through local action.

Ozge’s dissertation project examined the role of local organizations and policies in affecting refugees’ labor market access and participation in Germany. Specifically, she analyzed how governmental and nongovernmental organizations build support and institutional capacity for the inclusion of refugees in work and society at the local scale, with a focus on labor market access and mobility, language learning and skill development. Her current research also examines urban policies and institutional arrangements that lead to racial equity and more inclusive forms of economic development. She has recently co-authored a journal article, From Capital to Capabilities: Human Development Theory and New Directions in Economic Development, which was published in the Journal of Education and Research in May 2022.

Ozge’s work has been supported by the Fulbright Grant, Maria Pia Gratton International Fellowship, UIUC Graduate College, and the Institute for Humane Studies, among others.