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Social Networks of Refugees in the United Kingdom: Tradition, tactics and new community spaces

Williams, Lucy (2006) Social Networks of Refugees in the United Kingdom: Tradition, tactics and new community spaces. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 32 (5). pp. 865-879. ISSN 1369-183X. (doi:10.1080/13691830600704446) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:664)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13691830600704446

Abstract

This study is based on three years of participative, ethnographic fieldwork with asylum-seekers and refugees in the United Kingdom. Through participant observation and analysis of ego-centred networks, I attempted to build trusting research relationships with individual refugees coming to terms with life in exile. Refugees themselves have played an integral part in the innovative research design which has evolved in response to their contributions. The research demonstrates that, contrary to some stereotypes, refugees endeavour to be proactive social actors. This counters the predominant assumption of refugee dependency. Furthermore, the research adds to existing work on the social networks of refugees by providing an intimate picture of a small group of refugees. It describes their tactics in meeting practical and emotional needs, describes how these networks spread across continents and from home country to countries of exile, and proposes a new typology based on the strength of network ties.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/13691830600704446
Uncontrolled keywords: Asylum-seekers; Refugees; Social networks; Social support; Transnational networks
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research
Depositing User: Samantha Osborne
Date Deposited: 19 Dec 2007 18:24 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 09:39 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/664 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Williams, Lucy.

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