Refugee Family Support in Ireland—Reframing Narratives of Migration and Displacement

Abstract (English)

Migration and displacement are fundamental aspects of human history, yet public discourse often misrepresents refugee experiences, framing migration as a crisis rather than a transformative social process (Appadurai, 2006; De Genova, 2017). This paper examines how Syrian and Iraqi refugee families in Ireland engage with family support services, exploring the impact of migration narratives on policy frameworks and the well-being of displaced communities.
Through ethnographic research—including home visits, community centre observations, and semi-structured interviews—this study delves into the intersections of family dynamics, cultural identity, gender roles, and social integration. The findings challenge conventional migration narratives that reinforce simplistic origin-destination binaries and rational choice models, exposing the limitations of restrictive policies that overlook structural inequities faced by refugee families.
Rather than viewing migration solely through a lens of crisis, this paper highlights the resilience, adaptability, and agency of displaced families in their pursuit of stability. By critically examining the epistemic foundations of migration research, this study seeks to dismantle divisive political discourses that categorize people into an exclusionary “we” versus “they.” Instead, it argues that migration history should be understood as a shared human experience that fosters unity rather than segregation (Fassin, 2011).
Through anthropological inquiry, this research showcases how refugee families navigate social services, build community connections, and negotiate cultural identities. Ultimately, it advocates for more inclusive family support structures, nuanced migration policies, and the rejection of hierarchical frameworks that dictate who deserves protection and integration.