The Urban Refugee: Space, Agency, and the New Urban Condition

Refugees in the modern city are characterized by precarity, and this book explores the complex relationship between refugees and cities through three interrelated themes: identity, place, and site. It highlights the specificity of the urban refugee experience and their spatial agency, and argues that viewing them solely as dislocated individuals outside camp-like spaces fails to understand their agency and the blurred boundaries of identity that result. The neoliberalization of the past four decades has led to the precarization of labor and the displacement of refugees, who frequently blend into the urban environment as hidden populations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 19 February 2024
Publisher: Intellect Books

The presence of refugees in contemporary metropolises is characterized by a pervasive sense of precarity, a defining trait of the neoliberal urban landscape. This collection, comprising essays from various disciplines such as architectural history, cultural anthropology, and urban planning, seeks to shed light on both the unique challenges faced by refugees in the modern city and the profound impact they have on its fabric. By exploring three interconnected themes—identity (informalities, imagination, and belonging), place (transnational homemaking practices), and site (navigating urban space)—the authors propose a comprehensive approach to understanding the complex relationship between refugees and urban environments.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the study of forced migration, particularly the relationship between displacement and the built environment. Scholars have focused on spatial practices and forms that emerge under conditions of displacement, with a significant emphasis on refugee camps and the social and political implications of temporariness. While these issues are crucial, the essays in this volume aim to contribute to a less explored dimension of displacement, namely the interaction between refugees and the cities they inhabit.

The volume emphasizes the distinctiveness of urban refugees and their agency in navigating the complexities of urban life. It challenges the notion of viewing urban refugees solely as dislocated individuals outside the camp-like spaces of containment, recognizing the blurred boundaries of identity that result from their experiences. The term "refugee crisis" objectifies and denies refugees active agency, homogenizing dislocated individuals and groups, obscuring the diverse narratives and experiences that shape their lives.

To address this gap, the authors argue for a more nuanced understanding of urban refugees. They propose investigating the complex interplay between identity, place, and site, recognizing the ways in which refugees shape and are shaped by the urban environment. Through their essays, the authors offer insights into the diverse practices and strategies employed by refugees to adapt to and thrive in urban contexts, including informal networks, creative adaptations of spaces, and the negotiation of multiple identities.

Furthermore, the volume explores the multi-dimensional impact of refugees on cities. It highlights the economic, social, and cultural contributions that refugees bring, including skills, entrepreneurship, and cultural diversity. It also acknowledges the challenges posed by refugee settlements, such as overcrowding, resource scarcity, and social tensions. By recognizing the complexities and contradictions of the urban refugee experience, the authors advocate for policies and practices that prioritize inclusion, dignity, and social cohesion for all residents, regardless of their migration status.

In conclusion, the presence of refugees in contemporary metropolises is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach. The essays in this collection contribute to a deeper understanding of the urban refugee experience, challenging traditional narratives and highlighting the agency and contributions of refugees to urban life. By exploring the interconnections between identity, place, and site, the authors propose a framework for understanding the transformative power of refugees in shaping the cities they inhabit.

Weight: 738g
Dimension: 175 x 238 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789389005