Abstract
AbstractThe geographicity of refugee migration and asylum in receiving countries combines two perspectives of analysis. One is represented by uprooted, somehow alienated migrants, the other by the spatiality of refugee camps and reception centres as places and spaces of the others in the sense of a “non-place”: Sites of transit without any identity, ‘footloose’ in Augéan terms, just coexisting in their local context. Thus, this chapter uses a broad empirical approach and refers to the phenomenon’s spatial as well as social and individual elements. The empirical field is a reception and accommodation centre that was opened in 2015 in a former military base in the town of Bamberg, Germany. At that time, the discussion of political framing at the state level led to a severe crisis in German politics. On the local level, a public discourse unfolded around the centre, ranging from its capacity and residents, to the residents’ well-being in terms of legal treatment, discrimination, medical care and schooling. The initial group of residents there were, in the vast majority, migrants from Western Balkan countries applying for asylum. Starting in 2016, the structure and origin of the residents changed fundamentally. Since then, the origin of residents has become more and more heterogeneous. An analysis of spatial behaviour and spatial representation showed a broad variety of information on space and place of temporary living. Different perceptions, various ways of coping with the locality and the short duration of stay represent the fluid character of the reception centre and its residents nowadays.
Highlights
The refugee migration to Europe in 2015 and the political management of the so- called “refugee crisis”, which is more and more perceived as a “European refugee reception crisis” (Knipper 2016: 993), have dominated daily public discourse since
Refugee camps and reception centres are transitory places where the residents as individuals are temporarily reduced to the functionality of the institution
Following Martin (2015), in a completely different context, this phenomenon may be interpreted as a “CampScape”, with the suffix -scape representing the camp’s generally fluid character and referring in particular to the special setting of the place (Martin 2015: 14)
Summary
The refugee migration to Europe in 2015 and the political management of the so- called “refugee crisis”, which is more and more perceived as a “European refugee reception crisis” (Knipper 2016: 993), have dominated daily public discourse since . The rationale of the analysis concentrates in particular on the spatial perception of migrants and asylum seekers From this perspective, refugee camps and reception centres are transitory places where the residents as individuals are temporarily reduced to the functionality of the institution. After a description of the methodology, concept and research questions and a concise discussion on refugee migration, asylum and encampment, interest will be turned to the “Reception and Accommodation Centre of Upper Franconia” in Bamberg, a medium-sized town in Northern Bavaria, Germany In what follows, this institution is considered as a non-place and serves as a distinct example for the topic of places and spaces of the other. The main goal of the chapter is a further reflection on the “geographicities” of refuge in a local context
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
