Unravelling the Meaning of Place and Spatial Mobility: Analysing the Everyday Life worlds of Refugees in Host Societies by Means of Mobility Mapping
This article develops mobility mapping as a valuable space related instrument to tackle the lack of attention to the meanings of places and everyday spatial mobility in the process of refugee settlement. Referring to two consecutive case studies carried out with asylum seekers and recognized refugees in rural Germany, we discuss the surplus of this tool considering both peculiarities in implementation and the opportunities of analysis of respondent generated maps. Experiences from this trial research point out ways of implementing a tool that focuses on the graphic and visual dimension of knowledge creation. Relying on principles of participatory research, this tool can help to diminish power asymmetries between the researcher and the participant and acknowledge individuals' competencies in terms of language. Depending on the aim of the study, the empirical data generated can be analysed both as a product and as a process. Results indicate added value by revealing the importance of spatial dimensions in asylum seekers' and refugees' life worlds, encompassing the construction of individually important places as well as spatial mobility and accessibility. For practitioners, the implementation of the tool provides an opportunity to enhance participant oriented planning and capacity building, such as in terms of networks and infrastructures, that addresses both individuals' needs and spatial structures.
Journal of Refugee Studies