Refugee Imaginaries: Research Across the Humanities

Refugee Imaginaries is a groundbreaking book that argues for the study of refugees to be placed at the center of contemporary critical enquiry, with thirty-two newly written chapters by leading researchers in the field.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 544 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Refugee Imaginaries is a groundbreaking work that makes a compelling case for centering the study of refugees in contemporary critical inquiry. This comprehensive volume, edited by renowned scholars in the field, includes thirty-two newly written chapters by leading researchers, providing a wealth of insights and perspectives on representations by and of refugees.

The book begins by exploring the historical and political contexts that have shaped the representation of refugees, from the early modern period to the present day. It examines how media, literature, art, and popular culture have portrayed refugees as victims, heroes, or villains, and how these representations have influenced public attitudes and policies towards them.

One of the key themes of Refugee Imaginaries is the ways in which refugees themselves have been active agents in shaping their own representations. The book highlights the diverse experiences and voices of refugees, including those who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or climate change. It explores the ways in which refugees use storytelling, art, and activism to express their identities, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for their rights.

Another important aspect of Refugee Imaginaries is the way in which it challenges dominant narratives about refugees. The book argues that the mainstream media and political discourse often perpetuate harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about refugees, which can lead to discrimination and prejudice. It challenges these narratives by providing a more nuanced and complex understanding of the experiences of refugees, and by highlighting the contributions that they make to their communities and societies.

Refugee Imaginaries also explores the broader social and cultural implications of the refugee crisis. It examines how the refugee crisis has impacted global politics, economics, and social structures, and how it has led to the emergence of new forms of solidarity and resistance. The book argues that the study of refugees can provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of power, inequality, and social change, and can help us to develop more effective strategies for addressing these issues.

In conclusion, Refugee Imaginaries is a groundbreaking work that establishes the case for placing the study of the refugee at the center of contemporary critical enquiry. This comprehensive volume provides a wealth of insights and perspectives on representations by and of refugees, and challenges dominant narratives about them. By highlighting the diverse experiences and voices of refugees, and by exploring the broader social and cultural implications of the refugee crisis, the book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the world and our place in it.

Weight: 1080g
Dimension: 169 x 244 x 48 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474443203