Refugees and the Violence of Welfare Bureaucracies in Northern Europe

Refugees have moved into the spotlight of public debate in Europe and North America, where they are targeted by multiple welfare state interventions. This volume explores the tensions that emerge within the strong welfare states of Northern Europe when faced with an increased immigration of protection-seeking people. It examines the daily strategies and experiences of newly settled groups and the role of media discourses and welfare policies in shaping those experiences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2020
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Refugees have emerged as a prominent topic of public discourse in Europe and North America, where they face a multitude of welfare state interventions. In response to the increasing immigration of individuals seeking protection, this volume delves into the tensions that arise within the robust welfare states of Northern Europe. By examining the interplay between refugees and the welfare states, the book explores the daily strategies and experiences of newly settled groups, as well as the role of media discourses and welfare policies in shaping those experiences.

Drawing from a combination of textual analyses and ethnographic fieldwork in welfare institutions, asylum centers, and refugee communities, this volume offers a comprehensive understanding of the complex realities faced by refugees. It examines the interplay between deterrence and categorization, struggle and success, mobility and stagnation, providing a nuanced portrayal of their experiences.

It is crucial to understand Northern Europe's asylum systems and integration programs within the broader context of the bureaucratization of everyday life. This analysis sheds light on the challenges and opportunities faced by refugees as they navigate the complex social, legal, and economic landscapes of their host countries. By examining the interactions between refugees, welfare states, and the broader society, this volume contributes to our understanding of the dynamics and complexities of refugee integration and sheds light on the need for policies and practices that prioritize compassion, fairness, and human rights.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526146830