Power in Vulnerability: A Multi-Dimensional Review of Migrants' Vulnerabilities

The editors of this volume argue that a deeper understanding of vulnerability is essential to discuss empowerment and resilience among migrants. It explores vulnerability from an interdisciplinary and intersectional perspective, bringing together academic research and practitioners' insights to help reception societies adapt and improve their handling of migrants' vulnerabilities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 23 October 2021
Publisher: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden

The editors of this volume present a comprehensive and analytical examination of the vulnerabilities experienced by migrants. They contend that a more profound comprehension of vulnerability is essential to explore empowerment and resilience. Regardless of the underlying motivations behind migration, migrants can encounter vulnerabilities at various stages of their journey. These vulnerabilities may evolve, either positively or negatively, in response to factors such as a person's legal status, migratory route, and the practices of migration regulation. This book adopts an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach to addressing vulnerability. It brings together the latest academic research and insights from practitioners to assist reception societies in adapting and enhancing their approaches to managing the vulnerabilities of migrants.

Introduction:
Migration is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that involves the movement of individuals from one place to another, often in search of better opportunities, safety, or a better quality of life. However, the journey of migration is not without its challenges, and migrants often face various vulnerabilities during their journey. These vulnerabilities can arise from a range of factors, including legal status, social exclusion, discrimination, and economic insecurity.

Vulnerabilities of Migrants:
Migrants can face vulnerabilities at different stages of their journey, including during their pre-migration phase, during transit, upon arrival in their destination country, and during their integration into the host society. Some of the most common vulnerabilities experienced by migrants include:

Legal Status: Migrants may face legal barriers and restrictions that limit their access to basic rights and services, such as healthcare, education, and employment. They may also be vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, including human trafficking and forced labor.

Social Exclusion: Migrants may face social exclusion and discrimination in their destination country, which can lead to feelings of isolation, marginalization, and vulnerability. They may also be at risk of being targeted by hate crimes and other forms of violence.

Discrimination: Migrants may face discrimination based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. This discrimination can lead to social exclusion, economic marginalization, and physical and mental health problems.

Economic Insecurity: Migrants may face economic insecurity, including low wages, lack of access to employment opportunities, and limited access to social safety nets. This can lead to poverty, food insecurity, and other forms of social and economic exclusion.

Health and Safety Risks: Migrants may be exposed to health and safety risks, including exposure to infectious diseases, violence, and exploitation. They may also be at risk of accidents, injuries, and other forms of harm.

Understanding Vulnerability:
A deeper understanding of vulnerability is essential to addressing the challenges faced by migrants. Vulnerability is not just a static state but a dynamic process that is influenced by a range of factors, including social, economic, political, and environmental factors.

Empowerment and Resilience:
Empowerment and resilience are key strategies for addressing the vulnerabilities of migrants. Empowerment involves providing migrants with the tools and resources they need to make informed decisions and take control of their lives. Resilience involves building the capacity of migrants to cope with stress, adversity, and change.

Interdisciplinary and Intersectional Approach:
To address the vulnerabilities of migrants effectively, an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach is necessary. This approach involves bringing together experts from different fields, such as law, social work, health, and human rights, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by migrants.

Conclusion:
The vulnerabilities experienced by migrants are a significant concern for both the sending and receiving countries. By adopting an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach to addressing vulnerability, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society for migrants. This will not only benefit the migrants themselves but also contribute to the development and growth of the host society.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 148 x 210 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783658340513
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021