Use this URL to cite or link to this record in EThOS: | https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.532306 |
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Title: | Capitals and habitus refugees experiences of integration | ||||
Author: | Hislam, Sarah Louise |
ISNI:
0000 0004 2703 6011
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Awarding Body: | The University of Birmingham | ||||
Current Institution: | University of Birmingham | ||||
Date of Award: | 2009 | ||||
Availability of Full Text: |
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Abstract: | |||||
This thesis explores refugee experiences of integration, applying a theoretical approach informed by
Pierre Bourdieu's concepts of capital and habitus. The theoretical framework is empirically applied to a
small social network of Burundian refugees living in Birmingham, UK. Narrative interviews, including a
visual method, are employed to explore the lived experience of integration. A critical overview of
existing literature highlights the need for qualitative research that considers the relationships between
structure and agency, and highlights the linkages between integration domains whilst emphasising
social and cultural practices. It also posits a critical perspective that emphasises conflict, for which
Bourdieu's framework is ideal.
The process whereby refugees translate and transfer capital and habitus between country of origin and
reception is analysed. The respondents' experiences demonstrate that some forms of capital are
translatable whilst others are not due to discordance in habitus, the complexities of changing cultures
and class positions, and the constraints of racism and discrimination. Certain forms of capital are either
absent or have been subject to a process of devaluation. However, many of these refugees maintain
their (fairly privileged) class habitus and have high hopes for the future. They continue struggling to
rebuild their symbolic and material status: for them a central feature of integration.
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Supervisor: | Not available | Sponsor: | Not available | ||
Qualification Name: | Thesis (Ph.D.) | Qualification Level: | Doctoral | ||
EThOS ID: | uk.bl.ethos.532306 | DOI: | Not available | ||
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