Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
open access
This ethnographic research takes an in-depth look at the identities of refugees (and other border-crossers), refugee communities and politics of belonging. Through the ethnographic method of...Show moreThis ethnographic research takes an in-depth look at the identities of refugees (and other border-crossers), refugee communities and politics of belonging. Through the ethnographic method of narrative approach, it explores the perceptions of refugees on their identity, communities and work and shows how these affect and are affected by politics of belonging. Using ethnographic methods of participant observation and informal interviews in the geographic area of Athens and Piraeus, Greece, I explore contested refugee narratives about refugee identity, refugee communities and work. I use “refugee communities” and “work”, as the main lens through which to discuss what protects, supports or helps them outside and aside of the humanitarian and the asylum system. I discuss the terms of “refugee” and “refugee community”, showing the complex ways people and theory make sense of them. The main argument of my analysis is that, dealing with the so called “refugee crisis”, also means examining our perceptions on the contested narratives around refugee identities and making the choice to “stay close” to people, who already make up part of our societies.Show less
Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
open access
2015-01-01T00:00:00Z
The 2001 terrorist attacks and the 2008 financial crisis have had a profound impact on the community of bike messengers in New York City, USA. This thesis will give insight on how economic,...Show moreThe 2001 terrorist attacks and the 2008 financial crisis have had a profound impact on the community of bike messengers in New York City, USA. This thesis will give insight on how economic, political and social changes, as a result of these events, influenced the way bike messengers work and affected the construction of their community.Show less