Refugees as a Particular Form of Transnational Migrations and Social Transformations: Socioanthropological and Gender Aspects

Abstract

Refugee studies represent a special focus for research on migration and globalization. Social and cultural anthropology can provide significant insights in refugee studies by concentrating on local, transnational and cultural interrelations. Social sciences and, in particular, social and cultural anthropology help to deconstruct the image of refugees as helpless and passive aid receivers. Rather they point out refugees’ potential active role and its significance for coping with the consequences of the flight experience. This article shows relevant results of contemporary research focusing on two aspects: the anthropological approach to identity construction and the gendersensitive approach in refugee studies. Gender-specific reasons for flight, as well as the discussion on the recognition of gender-specific forms of persecution, are explained. Finally, gender-specific aspects of refugee studies are exemplified with a case study of Bosnian refugees in Austria.