Mobilization against Asylum Seekers in Contemporary Urban Spaces: Not in Our Backyard

This book explores the issue of local mobilization against asylum seekers in urban areas, using ethnographic research in Rotterdam to demonstrate the key role played by storytelling in the development of opposition. It offers a theoretical model of anti-immigration mobilization that connects storytelling to broader socio-political developments.

Format: Hardback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 04 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the pressing issue of local mobilization against asylum seekers in urban areas, which are frequently disproportionately impacted by complex challenges related to immigration, integration, socio-economic development, and escalating inequalities. Through ethnographic research conducted in the vibrant city of Rotterdam, the book explores the circumstances that gave rise to opposition against the establishment of an asylum seekers center, employing a multi-faceted approach that includes interviews, social media analysis, and mainstream media coverage. By amalgamating these diverse sources, the book vividly showcases the pivotal role of storytelling in shaping public attitudes and mobilizing communities against the arrival of asylum seekers.

Drawing upon a theoretical framework that establishes a connection between the social significance of storytelling and broader socio-political developments, this volume offers valuable insights to scholars and researchers interested in the fields of sociology, anthropology, and politics. It sheds light on the dynamics and complexities of anti-immigration mobilization, providing a rich understanding of the factors that contribute to such movements and their impact on society.

The book's findings are particularly relevant in today's global context, where the migration landscape is evolving rapidly and where the reception of asylum seekers has become a contentious issue in many countries. By examining the case of Rotterdam, the book offers valuable lessons and strategies for policymakers, community leaders, and activists seeking to address and mitigate the negative effects of local mobilization against asylum seekers.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking contribution to the literature on migration, social movements, and contentious issues. It provides a deep and nuanced analysis of the dynamics driving local mobilization against asylum seekers, highlighting the critical role of storytelling in shaping public attitudes and mobilizing communities. By offering a theoretical framework that connects storytelling to broader socio-political developments, the book offers valuable insights for scholars and practitioners seeking to understand and address the complex challenges posed by migration and integration in urban areas.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367765613