Policy Press

The Shape of Belonging for Unaccompanied Young Migrants

By Özlem Ögtem-Young

Published

May 28, 2024

Page count

182 pages

Browse the series

Global Migration and Social Change

ISBN

978-1529234251

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

May 28, 2024

Page count

182 pages

Browse the series

Global Migration and Social Change

ISBN

978-1529234268

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

May 28, 2024

Page count

182 pages

Browse the series

Global Migration and Social Change

ISBN

978-1529234268

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
The Shape of Belonging for Unaccompanied Young Migrants

Unaccompanied children and adolescents seeking protection in the UK are among the most vulnerable migrant groups, and often find themselves in a hostile policy environment after enduring traumatic journeys.

This book offers an in-depth analysis of the lived experiences of belonging, and the politics and policies of migration. Focusing on unaccompanied young migrants, it investigates the conditions and nature of belonging in the face of the uncertainty, ambiguity and violence of the UK asylum system.

Drawing on interviews and the Deleuzo-Guattarian concepts of assemblage, the book provides an empirical and theoretical examination of the belonging of unaccompanied young migrants seeking protection in the UK. Through compelling accounts, the author portrays the complex and paradoxical nature of belonging under precarious conditions, shedding light on the tenacity and fragility of belonging for unaccompanied young migrants.

"This book is a timely, indispensable scholarly and political intervention. Theoretically erudite, superbly written and ethically driven, Ögtem-Young presents an overdue intercession in landscapes of policy and scholarship. Offering new empirical data that is considered with care, Ögtem-Young develops complex and insightful ways of understanding and responding to the predicaments of unaccompanied young migrants' in England. This book is required reading for those working in youth studies, policy studies and Deleuze and Guattari studies. Ögtem-Young's work is illuminating, engaging and urgently needed." Anna Hickey-Moody, Maynooth University

“An ambitious, original and thought-provoking book. Provides the reader with a theoretical lens to explore the variety of scales, sites and encounters unaccompanied young migrants face.” Katie Willis, Royal Holloway, University of London

Özlem Ögtem-Young is a sociologist and qualitative researcher working as Research Fellow in the Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology at the University of Birmingham. Her expertise spans the areas of migration, poverty, and socio-economic inequality. Özlem's research draws upon and extends Deleuzo-Guttarian theoretical and philosophical concepts to examine the everyday experiences of marginalized communities and migrant groups facing precariousness, exclusion, and various forms of violence.

Introduction: Tracing Nader: Displacement, Unaccompanied Young People and Belonging

1.Unaccompanied Young People in Policy and Research

2.‘Disassembling’ and ‘Reassembling’ Belonging

3.Tracing Molar Lines: Border, Immigration and Asylum Policy and Unaccompanied Young People

4.Tracing Molecular Lines: Encounters with ‘Micropolitics’ of Professionals, Activists and Carers

5.Tracing Nomadic Lines: Nomadic Subjectivities and The Belonging of Unaccompanied Young People

Conclusion: Belonging–Assemblage – Molar Forces, Molecular Flows and Nomadic Belonging(s)