Migration and Domestic Space: Ethnographies of Home in the Making

This open-access book explores the domestic spaces of people with immigrant or refugee backgrounds, comparing different housing, household, and legal arrangements across various national contexts. It provides a nuanced understanding of migrants' lived experiences of their homes, highlighting the critical role of the house as a microcosm of societal identities, values, and inequalities. The book enhances the connection between migration studies and research on housing, social reproduction, domesticity, and material culture, and is of interest to scholars, policy makers, and practitioners in migration and local housing integration policies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 255 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This open-access book offers valuable insights into the domestic spaces of individuals with immigrant or refugee backgrounds. It carefully selects and compares a wide range of dwelling conditions, encompassing diverse national backgrounds such as Latin America, North and West Africa, Eastern Europe, and South Asia. The book provides a detailed and nuanced understanding of migrants' lived experiences within their domestic environments, highlighting the critical significance of the house as a microcosm of societal constellations of identities, values, and inequalities. By bridging the gap between migration studies and research on housing, social reproduction, domesticity, and material culture, this book enhances the connection between these fields. It is an engaging read for scholars, policy makers, and practitioners with a focus on local housing and integration policies.

The book begins by exploring the diverse settings and circumstances in which migrants create homes. It examines the various built environments where migrants reside, including apartments, houses, and shelters. The authors shed light on the ways in which these environments shape migrants' experiences and interactions with their surroundings. They explore the complexities of home ownership, tenancy, and housing tenure, as well as the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern these arrangements.

Through a series of ethnographic accounts, the book provides a rich and detailed portrayal of the lived experiences of migrants within their domestic spaces. The chapters, each written by experts in their respective fields, offer unique perspectives and insights into the experiences of different groups of migrants. The authors employ a variety of research methods, including participant observation, interviews, and documentary analysis, to capture the nuances and complexities of the migrant home.

One of the key themes that emerge from the book is the importance of the migrant home as a site of resistance and resilience. The authors argue that migrants often face discrimination, marginalization, and social exclusion in their host countries. However, their homes provide them with a sense of belonging, stability, and protection. They serve as a refuge from the outside world, a place where migrants can express their cultural identities, maintain their traditions, and support each other.

The book also highlights the ways in which the migrant home is shaped by broader societal and cultural forces. It explores the relationship between migration, urbanization, and the changing nature of work and family life. The authors examine how migration patterns influence the availability and quality of housing, as well as the social and economic dynamics of migrant communities. They also consider the impact of policies and practices on the rights and experiences of migrants in their homes, such as eviction, discrimination, and forced displacement.

Another important aspect of the book is its consideration of the role of the researcher in the study of the migrant home. The authors acknowledge the ethical challenges and responsibilities that come with conducting research in sensitive and vulnerable contexts. They emphasize the importance of building trust and rapport with research participants, respecting their privacy and autonomy, and avoiding the perpetuation of stereotypes or biases.

In conclusion, this edited collection is a valuable contribution to the field of migration studies. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the domestic spaces of individuals with immigrant or refugee backgrounds. By exploring the diverse settings, experiences, and relationships within these spaces, the book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of migration, housing, and social reproduction. It is an essential read for scholars, policy makers, and practitioners with a remit in local housing and integration policies.”

Weight: 415g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031231278
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023