Cradles of resilience: fertility and the fear of erasure among Syrian refugees in Lebanon

Abstract This paper explores the phenomenon of ‘high’ birth rates among Syrian refugees in Lebanon, framed as, in their own words, “a human instinctive response to a profound fear of extinction.” Drawing from the concept of existential anxiety, theories of trauma and cultural identity theory, as well as on qualitative data from interviews with 278 Syrian refugees, the study delves into the psychological and sociocultural factors that underpin this demographic trend. It highlights how, against the backdrop of protracted displacement and uncertainty, many Syrian refugees perceive high fertility as a strategy for cultural and familial survival. The paper examines the intersection of trauma, displacement, and reproductive behaviour, revealing a complex narrative where fears of loss, erasure, and the desire to preserve identity manifest through increased birth rates. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of refugee experiences, shedding light on how existential fears shape reproductive decisions and challenging conventional perspectives on population growth within refugee communities.