Reclaiming Migrant Motherhood: Identity, Belonging, and Displacement in a Global Context

The book Reclaiming Migrant Motherhood explores the complex lived experiences of displaced mothers through literature, film, and ethnographic research. It considers the global refugee crisis, forced migration, and resettlement as backdrops for the representations and identity development of these women. Contributors examine literary fiction, memoirs, and children's literature, as well as ethnographic research, creative writing, and film related to refugee studies. The borders that displaced mothers face are examined through frameworks of postcolonialism, nationalism, feminism, and diaspora studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

The global landscape is a tapestry of perilous border crossings, particularly daunting for displaced women carrying children in tow. These mothers, often characterized by various legal statuses such as refugees, migrants, immigrants, forced, or voluntary, possess lived experiences that defy simplistic categorization. Reclaiming Migrant Motherhood delves into a rich tapestry of literature, film, and original ethnographic research to explore the intricate and multifaceted realities of displaced mothers. This volume situates itself within the realm of motherhood studies, intersecting with literature, life writing, gender (im)migration, refugee, and cultural studies. Contributors examine a diverse range of literary works, including literary fiction, memoirs, and children's literature, penned by acclaimed authors such as Ocean Vuong, Nadifa Mohamed, Laila Halaby, Susan Muaddi Darraj, Terry Farish, Thannha Lai, Bich Minh Nguyen, Julie Otsuka, V. V. Ganeshananthan, Shankari Chandran, and Mary Anne Mohanraj. Furthermore, the book explores ethnographic research, creative writing, and film related to refugee studies, providing a comprehensive examination of the experiences of displaced mothers.

The border crossings examined in this volume take on physical dimensions, drawing from narratives originating from Afghanistan, Syria, Vietnam, Japan, Iraq, Canada, Greece, Somalia, Palestine, Sri Lanka, and America. These borders serve as the backdrop for a profound exploration of the challenges faced by displaced mothers, employing frameworks of postcolonialism, nationalism, feminism, and diaspora studies to unravel the complexities of their experiences.

Through their narratives, these women shed light on the struggles, resilience, and unwavering love they possess as they navigate the treacherous terrain of displacement. They challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and forge new paths for themselves and their children, showcasing the strength and determination of migrant mothers in the face of adversity. Reclaiming Migrant Motherhood serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and humanity of these women, offering a deeper understanding of their complex lives and the urgent need for support and recognition.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666902051