Family Connections Research Articles

Correlates of Domestic Violence Victimization Among Immigrants During COVID-19 in the United States

ABSTRACT Domestic violence has been a cause of concern during the pandemic. Immigrants have been more vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19, given systemic and cultural barriers. Utilizing a bio-psycho-social framework, the goal of this exploratory cross-sectional study was to examine the correlates of DV victimization among immigrants (N = 419, 41.5% male and 56.8% female) across the United States. Gender, age and race were included as biological and demographic factors (model 1); mental health and psychological stress were included as psychological factors (model 2); and generational position, household income, and family connections were included as social factors (model 3). A hierarchical logistic regression was performed. The sample comprised male and female participants. About 31.3% of participants were White, while the remaining were from diverse racial groups and 43.5% were 1st generation. We observed that 35.1% (60) men and 28.3% (66) women experienced at least one form of DV victimization. Women and those who were older were less likely to experience victimization. An increase in mental health distress and limited family connections were associated with a higher likelihood of DV victimization. This study examined the rates of physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, financial and immigration-related abuse experiences of immigrants in the United States. Our findings point to the need for services to be offered to all genders and the need for more social support for immigrants. The inclusion of male and female survivors of DV adds to the novelty of this study. Practitioners in particular can play an important role in providing culturally responsive support to immigrants experiencing victimization.

Oath in Legal Tradition as a Reflection of Value System of Russian Peasantry (Mid-19th to Early 20th Century)

This article examines oaths functioning within customary law during the post-reform period, reflecting the system of basic values of the peasant society. The relevance of the study is justified by the urgent task of preserving ethnocultural identity, as well as the practical needs of the modern legal system, demonstrating a disconnect from the value orientations of traditional culture. The sphere and peculiarities of oath application in customary legal tradition are identified, and the main elements of the ritual are described. The verbal component of oaths is identified and characterized. The attitudes of peasants towards oaths are explored, and beliefs about the consequences of false oaths are analyzed. The system of values relevant to peasant society is reconstructed, highlighting justice, life (including a “righteous” life after death), health, reputation, honor, prosperity, various social ties including familial connections uniting ancestors and descendants as well as intra-community bonds, and spiritual values such as the connection with God, the rupture of which was perceived as spiritual death. It is concluded that despite the declining popularity of informal oaths, they remain relevant in the post-reform period as a means of conflict neutralization and an effective mechanism for uncovering truth, precisely because they appeal to significant categories and values for ethnocultural consciousness.

The Impact of Social Media on Family Relationships (A Study of Jahi, Abuja)

In light of the current surge in heightened social media use and its impact on familial dynamics, it is plausible to posit that social media platforms enhance the experiences of individuals and the family unit. However, submitting this assumption to thorough scrutiny and confirmation is crucial to reach a conclusive determination. Therefore, this study examines the effects of social media utilization on familial connections, with a particular emphasis on the viewpoints of individuals within a region in Abuja, Nigeria. The research maintains its contemporary significance due to the increasing societal need for familial cohesion and connection. In order to achieve the study's objectives, two research questions and their corresponding hypotheses were formulated. The researchers used the Taro Yamane sampling approach to determine an optimal sample size of 171 respondents, derived from a larger population of 300 individuals picked using random selection. The data analysis was conducted via the SPSS software, employing fundamental regression analysis procedures, with a pre-established significance threshold of 0.05. The study's findings indicate a statistically significant correlation between the use of social media and family bonding and face-to-face interaction. Therefore, the study suggests that to alleviate the negative consequences associated with excessive utilization of social media, families should impose limitations on the duration of engagement with social media platforms and prioritize face-to-face interaction. By adopting this approach, families can facilitate transparent communication within the familial setting and cultivate more robust and mutually beneficial relationships.

Not All Edible Nuts Are Eaten: Evidence for Continued Aboriginal Cultural Use and Dispersal of Bunya Pine (Araucaria bidwillii) in Southern But Not in Northern Queensland

Globally, there is increasing evidence that Indigenous peoples have manipulated plant and animal populations over millennia. The Bunya Pine ( Araucaria bidwillii Hook.) is a coniferous tree native to subtropical and tropical eastern Australia, which produces 30–100 large, edible seeds within a large cone weighing 5–10 kgs. Endemic Bunya populations occur as two disjunct populations: one in south-eastern Queensland/north-east New South Wales and the other in northern Queensland. We investigated possible pre- and postcolonial Bunya seed dispersal within and between the two separate populations by utilising multidisciplinary methods to examine Aboriginal cultural connections with Bunya. Analysis of historical sources and ethnographic interviews conducted with Aboriginal knowledge holders provided strong evidence for localised deliberate dispersal within the southern population but no solid evidence for dispersal in the north, suggesting two distinct modes of Aboriginal interaction with this species. Early European colonial records documented the Indigenous cultural significance of southern Bunya, evidenced by large feast gatherings, creation Stories, Aboriginal familial tree connections, seed carrying and planting, and storage in camps. The continued cultural attachment post-colonisation was evident from ethnographic interviews with Indigenous knowledge holders that revealed plantings of this species on Aboriginal missions and modern grave sites. The development of an overarching effective biocultural management plan to conserve the biological and cultural importance of this species is therefore particularly important for the southern population, especially in the face of new threats from pathogenic dieback. The individal tree connections of certain Aboriginal families also warrant deeper ethnographic study to target planting and restoration efforts that preserve these kin-based biocultural connections.

Perceptions of social support usage among single men experiencing recurrent homelessness

ABSTRACT Introduction: Single adult men are at increased risk of recurring homelessness and comprise a large percentage of those experiencing episodic homelessness. This manuscript explored pathways into repeated episodes of homelessness for single men through participants’ perceptions of using social support to find and maintain housing. Method: This study utilized qualitative methods to understand experiences of men who had been housed but had lost permanent housing within the past two years. Grounded theory methods were adapted, specifically techniques of using open and focused coding, constant comparison, and memo-writing. Results: Two themes captured participants’ (n = 25) views on utilizing social support. First, men shared their experiences with insufficient social support, both in terms of quality and quantity. Second, participants expressed hesitancy to utilize available support and resources. Three sub-themes around hesitancy are described: a sense of personal responsibility/ self-reliance, concerns about being a burden, and feelings of disdain towards those dependent on support. Discussion: Social networks were described as small and sometimes detrimental to well-being with participants having few healthy, secure relationships. Although some participants described longstanding isolation, even those with social and familial connections described a strong sense of self-reliance and hesitancy to seek assistance.

Cohort profile: A population-based record linkage platform to address critical epidemiological evidence gaps in respiratory syncytial virus and other respiratory infections

IntroductionThe Western Australia (WA) Respiratory Infections Linked Data Platform is a population-based cohort established to investigate the epidemiology of RSV and other respiratory infections in children aged 0-10 years, incorporating microbiological testing patterns, hospital admissions, emergency department presentations, and socio-demographic data. MethodsThe cohort was formed through individual linkages between datasets from the WA Department of Health including the Birth and Death Registry, Midwives Notification System (MNS), Hospital Morbidity Data Collection, Emergency Department Data Collection, WA Notifiable Diseases Database, WA Register of Developmental Anomalies, WA Cerebral Palsy Register, WA Antenatal Vaccination Database, WA Family Connections, and PathWest Respiratory Virus Surveillance Data. Hospitalisations and emergency department presentations were temporally linked to routine respiratory viral surveillance data. ResultsThe cohort consists of 368,830 WA births between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2020 with accompanying perinatal and demographic data, and with secondary care follow-up to 30 June 2022. Of these births, 24,660 (6.7%) identify as Aboriginal. A total of 4,077 (1.1%) children died from all causes during the study period (2010-2020), and 9.2% (33,818) of children were born preterm (<37 weeks). ConclusionThe Respiratory Infections Linked Data Platform enables epidemiological investigations, identifying virus-specific risk groups, risk factors, clinical presentation, viral testing patterns, long-term impacts and accurate measures of viral incidence rates in risk and population sub-groups This will not only aid in the calculation of cost-effectiveness estimates of interventions such as immunisations, but also provide guidance for design and implementation of such programs to priority groups. The Respiratory Infections Linked Data Platform will also enable evaluation of the direct and indirect effects of maternal and infant vaccines and new therapeutics. Analyses using this platform will also generate epidemiological data needed for other respiratory viruses on the vaccine pipeline such as parainfluenza virus and human metapneumovirus.

Navigating changes: reflecting on children and young people’s experiences of public health and social measures during the COVID-19 pandemic- a purposive, qualitative follow-up from a national probability sample

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic brought abrupt changes and disruption to the lives of children and young people. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore how participants navigated national lockdowns (including school closures), social restrictions, and the reintegration back into pre-pandemic routines. Twenty children, young people and parents were purposively sampled from the Mental Health of Children and Young People’s Survey, 2020. We identified three major themes through thematic analysis, with participants discussing (1) learning experiences, (2) emotions and coping, and (3) decompression and discovery. Experiences during the pandemic were highly variable. Participants emphasised the importance of social and familial connections, access to engaging learning environments, and structure/routine in promoting health and well-being.

Early Exposure to Orthopaedic Surgery.

Disparities in early orthopaedic experiences among medical students prompt a critical examination of factors influencing the availability and nature of these exposures. While the current body of literature underscores the significance of early surgical exposure and mentorship in medical education, a notable gap exists in investigating early orthopaedic exposure and its specific impact on students from diverse backgrounds. A 16-item questionnaire, approved by our institutional review board, was administered to fourth-year medical students (MS4) and first-year orthopaedic residents (PGY-1) across U.S. orthopaedic surgery programs during the 2022-2023 application cycle. The questionnaire assessed participants' initial orthopaedic exposures and factors influencing interest in the field. Two-proportion Z-test analyses were conducted to analyze the data, and thematic analysis was used to assess qualitative data involving free-response questions. Out of 72 total respondents, the study revealed that 83% of respondents encountered orthopaedics before medical school, with initial exposures stemming from various sources such as familial connections (28%), athletics(17%), and high school or college exposures (15%), including shadowing, athletics participation, and occupation-related exposure. Disparities were observed in the availability of orthopaedic mentors and early exposure opportunities between demographic groups. Statistical analyses highlighted significant differences in access to mentors who reflected students' identities between male and non-male participants (70% vs. 39%, p=0.02) and between white and non-white participants (69% vs. 36%, p=0.02). White participants were also more likely to first interact with a surgeon who treated them or their family members than non-white participants (35% vs 7%, p=0.04). Non-white participants were more likely than white participants to come by their first orthopaedic opportunity by searching for it independently (21% vs. 4%, p=0.03). Family and friend connections in orthopaedics were found to be influential in motivating students to pursue orthopaedics, with 40% of respondents indicating personal connections in medicine and 12% reporting family members who are orthopaedic surgeons. Research experiences were identified as important contributors to students' initial interest and motivation to ultimately pursue orthopaedics, especially those with diverse backgrounds. The findings underscore the importance of early orthopaedic exposures in shaping students' interest in the field, highlighting the need for more immersive pre-clinical year opportunities and enhanced mentorship programs. Addressing disparities in mentorship access and early exposure opportunities requires systemic changes and increased support for underrepresented minorities in orthopaedics. Initiatives like mentorship programs and research opportunities can help bridge gaps in access to early orthopaedic experiences. Medical schools should prioritise targeted early access to orthopaedic exposures for all students, regardless of background. This initiative aims to promote inclusivity and cultivate a more diverse orthopaedic workforce capable of meeting the evolving healthcare needs of society.

“The Past Is Never Dead. It’s Not Even Past” (Faulkner, 1919 Requiem for a Nun p. 85): Mapping and Taking Care of the Ghosts in Adoption

The Code of Ethics of the Association of Professional Genealogists promotes the communication of coherent, clear, and well-organised information). It is not that simple when adoption features in a family’s history. This paper suggests that standard approaches to family tree-construction will struggle to capture the complexities, gaps, and challenges posed by adoption. Firstly, the paper makes the case for family historians having an alertness to adoption by noting the number of people affected by adoption. It then goes on to look at the literature that argues that adoption involves erasures of birth families and makes ghosts of them. Adoption also creates possible selves and lives; the adopted person’s “could-have-beens” had there been no adoption, the biological child that the adoptive parents might have had and could not, the birth mother’s life with the child lost to adoption. These presences and possibilities haunt all involved in adoption, and writers have posited the existence of a “ghost kingdom”. This paper maps out a greater ghost world of adoption, paradoxically full of life, and because of access to birth records, a world that offers a much greater potential for materialisation. The paper avoids the traditional notions of ghosts as things to be shunned or as representatives of pathologies. Instead, it asks for respect for the “not-dead”/“not-past” of adoption and for family history researchers, a capacity to embrace the jumbled, the murky, and the disorganised. People everywhere are increasingly constructing their own family trees, with all the potential for pleasant surprise but also the shock that this might bring. Should genealogists overlook adoption’s ghosts then they overlook the opportunity to professionally map a rich and varied world of family knowledge and connections. The paper concludes with this observation coupled with a discussion of other associated ethical implications of family history work where adoption features.

Lessons Learned From Clinical Studies in Centronuclear Myopathies: The Patient Perspective—A Qualitative Study

BackgroundSince 2014, several clinical studies focusing on centronuclear myopathies have been conducted, including a prospective natural history study, a gene transfer clinical trial and a clinical trial using an antisense oligonucleotide. Dedicated patient organizations have played an important role in this process. The experience of members of these organizations, either as a study participant, parent or as a patient organization member communicating with the sponsors are potentially very informative for future trial design. MethodsWe investigated the burden of and the lessons learned from the first natural history studies and clinical trials from a patient perspective using a qualitative approach. We arranged 4 focus groups with a total of 37 participants from 3 large international patient organizations: ZNM-ZusammenStark!, the Myotubular Trust, and the MTM-CNM Family Connection. 4 themes, based on a systematic literature search were discussed: Expectations and preparation, Clinical study participation, Communication and Recommendations for future clinical trials. The focus group recordings were transcribed, anonymized, and uploaded to Atlas-ti version 8.1 software. The data were analyzed using a thematic content analysis. ResultsOverall, participants were realistic in their expectations, hoping for small improvements of function and quality of life. The realization that trial participation does not equate to a treatment was challenging. Participating in a clinical study had a huge impact on many aspects of daily life, both for patients and their immediate families. First-hand insights into the burden of the design and its possible effect on performance were provided, resulting in numerous compelling recommendations for future clinical studies. Furthermore, participants stressed the importance of clear communication, which was considered to be especially vital in cases of severe adverse events. Finally, while patients were understanding of the importance of adhering to the regulations of good clinical practice, they indicated that they would strongly appreciate a greater understanding and/or acknowledgment of the patient perspective and a reflection of this perspective in future clinical trial design. ConclusionThe acknowledgment and inclusion of patients’ perspectives and efficient and effective communication is expected to improve patient recruitment and retention in future clinical studies, as well as more accurate assessment of the patient performance related to suitable planning of the study visits.

“Life is Better in Another Country”: a Case Study of International Migration of Middle Aged and Older Adults in South Korea

Increasing global life expectancy places an emphasis on improving quality of life among individuals who are close to retirement. As the cost of living rises in Western countries, middle aged and older adults may consider relocating internationally to better satisfy their needs after retirement. South Korea has attracted foreign residents with distinctive opportunities for Westerners to work and live abroad. Therefore, this study explores factors that influence life satisfaction among middle aged and older adults residing in Eastern cultures. Our study employed a case study design and in-depth interviews with nine foreign citizens aged 50 and above living in Korea. Outcomes revealed new experiences and culture, social and family connections, leisure activities and uncertainty for the future contributed to perceptions of life satisfaction. Findings may be used for developing policies related to international migration and enhancing life satisfaction of older individuals currently living or considering retiring abroad.

A genetic survey of patients with familial idiopathic intracranial hypertension residing in a Middle Eastern village: genetic association study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine whether genetic variants are associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in a unique village where many of the IIH patients have familial ties, a homogenous population and a high prevalence of consanguinity. Several autosomal recessive disorders are common in this village and its population is considered at a high risk for genetic disorders.MethodsThe samples were genotyped by the Ilumina OmniExpress-24 Kit, and analyzed by the Eagle V2.4 and DASH software package to cluster haplotypes shared between our cohort. Subsequently, we searched for specific haplotypes that were significantly associated with the patient groups.ResultsFourteen patients and 30 controls were included. Samples from 22 female participants (11 patients and 11 controls) were evaluated for haplotype clustering and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). A total of 710,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were evaluated. Candidate areas positively associated with IIH included genes located on chromosomes 16, 8 (including the CA5A and BANP genes, p < 0.01), and negatively associated with genes located on chromosomes 1 and 6 (including PBX1, LMX1A, ESR1 genes, p < 0.01).ConclusionsWe discovered new loci possibly associated with IIH by employing a GWAS technique to estimate the associations with haplotypes instead of specific SNPs. This method can in all probability be used in cases where there is a limited amount of samples but strong familial connections. Several loci were identified that might be strong candidates for follow-up studies in other well-phenotypes cohorts.

Investigating Remote School Attendance, Retention and Engagement

Predating the introduction of the Closing the Gap strategy in 2007, First Nation students’ attendance, retention and engagement in remote schools has been a concern for educators and successive governments. The following paper describes a case study—one part of a large Australian federally funded ‘Emerging Priorities Program’ project that sought to examine these issues. Specifically, it explores those factors that contribute to either exacerbating the decline in attendance, engagement or retention or lead to improved outcomes. The case study was undertaken at a Vocational Education and Training boarding school catering for Aboriginal students, mostly from remote areas of Western Australia. Students travel considerable distance to attend the school, often because of their family connections to the school. In this study students from one of the English classes became co-researchers in the project, providing input and collaborating at every stage of the research process.The findings indicate the need to adopt a strength-based approach when teaching remote students. This can be achieved through positive relationships between educators and students, which, in turn, is developed through cultural awareness and the use of community members and Aboriginal educators as role models and human resources for schools.

Home-schooling and caring for children during the COVID-19 lockdown in the UK: emotional states, systems of support and coping strategies in working mothers.

We examined the experience of the intensification of home-schooling and/or childcare in working mothers in the United Kingdom during the first national COVID-19 lockdown. Our focus was on understanding how mothers dealt with this challenging period both emotionally and practically. Eligible mothers (n = 47; Mage = 39.6) participated in an anonymous online survey of openended questions. Thematic analysis of responses showed that mothers found home-schooling and/or childcare to be challenging. This was particularly notable in situations where support from partners, schools, and workplaces was limited. For single working mothers, the absence of support resources was especially impactful. Mothers often felt overly stressed trying to balance work and family responsibilities, guilty for not meeting their child's needs, and were worried over their child's well-being and academic progress and over increasing work demands. Common strategies mothers used to cope with the challenges of home-schooling and/or childcare included adopting a positive outlook, implementing flexible family structures, increasing family connectedness, and negotiating alternative partnership models. The intensification of home-schooling and/or childcare during the lockdown in the United Kingdom negatively affected maternal well-being, particularly due to limited support. These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing maternal wellbeing in post-pandemic recovery efforts. Additionally, they highlight the social dimension of maternal wellbeing and suggest a comprehensive approach to support it that includes both timely access to intervention for mental health but also implementing family-friendly work policies and offering support with childcare and children's learning as essential measures.

‘An elegant and able practitioner’. Marian Mason and the rise of women’s calisthenics in nineteenth century Britain

ABSTRACT In 1826 Marian Mason was introduced to British society as a callisthenic instructor. Trained by P.H. Clias, a gymnast who oversaw physical training in the military and navy, Mason is the first high profile female fitness coach in British history. Despite her importance as a landmark figure, Mason's contributions, and indeed life, remain relatively obscured from the historical record. Studying Mason's heyday in public life from 1826 to the early 1830s, this article provides the first substantive examination of Mason's life, her social networks and wealth and, critically, the monograph she published in 1826. While acknowledging Mason's role as an early female fitness coach, the article provides a deep reading of Mason's successes, focusing on her class and relationship advantages, her ability to court medical favour and shrewdness in addressing broader societal concerns. This article is less a biography and more an examination of the broader social and medical trends in early nineteenth century England, which created a space for people like Mason. The article presents a simple argument – Marian Mason was an early female fitness coach who, drawing on broader societal concerns about the body, created a niche for her career by leveraging her expertise and familial connections.

Family Connections and Subjective Wellbeing in Transitional China

Family Connections and Subjective Wellbeing in Transitional China

THE ROLE OF WOMAN IN BIRTH RITUALS OF KAZAKH AND TURKISH PEOPLE

This article delves into the captivating world of birth rituals in Kazakh culture, uncovering the rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and beliefs surrounding the sacred process of bringing new life into the world. Drawing upon ethnographic research, historical records, and interviews with Kazakh elders, this study aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the significance and evolution of birth rituals within the Kazakh and Turkish community. The article begins by setting the cultural context of Kazakh society, emphasizing the deeply rooted respect for family, community, and spiritual connection. It highlights the fundamental role of birth in perpetuating the Kazakh lineage and its influence on the social fabric of the community. Moreover, the article delves into the historical origins of these rituals, tracing their roots back to ancient nomadic traditions and the interplay between Islam and local animistic beliefs. The subsequent sections of the article meticulously examine the diverse stages of birth rituals, commencing with preparations leading up to childbirth, followed by the actual delivery process, and concluding with postpartum practices. Each stage is scrutinized in terms of its symbolic significance, associated practices, and the roles of key individuals involved, such as midwives, elders, and family members.

“Reimagining education for our dreamchasers”: creating a humanizing education space through culturally relevant teaching for Latin(x) and black elementary students

PurposeThis paper aims to explore how one elementary school administrative team responded to their changing student populations to include Latin(x) within their black community. The responses included looping practices, relationship building with families and culturally relevant pedagogies. In particular, this paper considers how the three aspects of the change worked together toward the goal of providing its students with quality educational opportunities and enhancements.Design/methodology/approachThe research presented here is part of a longitudinal (four-year) qualitative study where ethnographic approaches to data collection were adopted.FindingsThe four-year immersion in the values of culturally relevant pedagogy created a reciprocal growth in understanding among the teachers and the students of the black and Latin(x) populations, sustained the overarching ideas of deep family connections and contributed to asset-driven curriculum.Originality/valueA national trend shows rapid changing demographics where Latin(x) families are moving into black neighborhoods and schools. This change in schools’ student populations finds educators facing new challenges in addressing the educational and cultural needs of two minoritized populations. This research adds to the existing scholarship by documenting how one school shifts their learning atmosphere to deeply engage students in culturally relevant pedagogies.

Psychosocial correlates of flourishing in the late lifespan

BackgroundFlourishing is a primary dimension of psychological well-being that contributes massively to the development of an active, purposeful, and respectful life, full of meaning, values, and personal interests that nurture social ties.AimsThis study primarily intended to examine the contribution of satisfaction with family relations, resilience, metacognitive efficiency, and crystallized intelligence in predicting a flourishing measure in cognitively healthy older adults. Moreover, the impact of gender was investigated on flourishing, satisfaction with family ties, resilience, and metacognitive efficiency.MethodsOne hundred and eighty 65–94-year-old community dwellers were recruited in Sardinia (Italy). Participants self-rated their flourishing, satisfaction with their family connections, psychological hardness (i.e., a dimension of resilience), and cognitive function, whereas global cognitive efficiency and vocabulary were assessed through two internationally validated objective tests.ResultsA hierarchical regression analysis revealed that 30% of the variance in the flourishing condition was explained by satisfaction with family ties, resilience, and metacognitive efficiency. In addition, males exhibited higher flourishing and satisfaction with family ties than females, and the former group also reported being more autonomous and acting proactively to influence its destiny.ConclusionEmotional support and rewarding relations with family members, the ability to face stressful events, and a good perception of one’s cognitive efficiency play a crucial role in promoting flourishing in late adulthood.

Between Empowerment and Surveillance: Forced Migration and Information and Communication Technologies

Amidst a surge in migration from conflict zones across the Middle East and Africa, leading to the arrival of more than a million displaced individuals in Europe, a nascent research field, primarily explored by European scholars, examines how information and communication technologies (ICTs) reshape refugees’ experiences during and after migration. This emerging inquiry explores how ICTs can empower displaced migrants, enhancing their resilience and enabling survival, family connection, adaptation, inclusion, and rights advocacy. Concurrently, recent studies in the area of border and surveillance underscore technology’s pivotal role in shaping security-oriented agendas within migration and mobility regimes across the US, EU, and other nations. This study systematically and critically reviews digital migration literature from 2006 to 2021 with metadata obtained and synthesized from Scopus and Dimensions databases, investigating the interplay between forced migrants’ use of digital technologies to navigate restrictive migration systems and their interaction with surveillance technologies. It seeks to identify the ambivalent positions in digital migration studies and assess migrants’ potential empowerment through ICTs.