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The Diaspora of Chin Refugees in Malaysia: Challenges and Coping Mechanisms

Pittalis, Michela LU (2019) SIMV07 20191
Graduate School
Department of Political Science
Education
Master of Science in Global Studies
Abstract
This thesis investigates the social dynamics of the Chin refugee group which currently faces great challenges in Malaysia, the host country. Modes of organisation and coping mechanisms are examined in relation to the specific legal and socio-political context. The theoretical concept of “diaspora” is used to make sense of processes of identity (re)construction and collective action. In addition, feelings of belonging together with the concepts of “home” and “homelessness” help make sense of refugees’ struggle to adapt to the new country. In particular, the thesis explores the extent to which Malaysia is or could be a “home” for refugee communities. These issues are analysed through the combination of participant observation and an... (More)
This thesis investigates the social dynamics of the Chin refugee group which currently faces great challenges in Malaysia, the host country. Modes of organisation and coping mechanisms are examined in relation to the specific legal and socio-political context. The theoretical concept of “diaspora” is used to make sense of processes of identity (re)construction and collective action. In addition, feelings of belonging together with the concepts of “home” and “homelessness” help make sense of refugees’ struggle to adapt to the new country. In particular, the thesis explores the extent to which Malaysia is or could be a “home” for refugee communities. These issues are analysed through the combination of participant observation and an ethnographic approach whose findings will be subjected to thematic analysis. The main argument of the thesis is that the Chins do not feel like they belong to Malaysia, which they consider a temporal stop on their journey projected to a third country resettlement. Furthermore, due to the collective trauma caused by discriminations in their home country, they do not wish to return. Their loss of “home” is, however, alleviated by a strong community they can rely on which provides Chin refugees with support and basic services. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Pittalis, Michela LU
supervisor
organization
course
SIMV07 20191
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Chin, refugees, diaspora, belonging, community, home, Malaysia
language
English
id
8983978
date added to LUP
2019-08-23 13:52:17
date last changed
2019-08-23 13:52:17
@misc{8983978,
  abstract     = {{This thesis investigates the social dynamics of the Chin refugee group which currently faces great challenges in Malaysia, the host country. Modes of organisation and coping mechanisms are examined in relation to the specific legal and socio-political context. The theoretical concept of “diaspora” is used to make sense of processes of identity (re)construction and collective action. In addition, feelings of belonging together with the concepts of “home” and “homelessness” help make sense of refugees’ struggle to adapt to the new country. In particular, the thesis explores the extent to which Malaysia is or could be a “home” for refugee communities. These issues are analysed through the combination of participant observation and an ethnographic approach whose findings will be subjected to thematic analysis. The main argument of the thesis is that the Chins do not feel like they belong to Malaysia, which they consider a temporal stop on their journey projected to a third country resettlement. Furthermore, due to the collective trauma caused by discriminations in their home country, they do not wish to return. Their loss of “home” is, however, alleviated by a strong community they can rely on which provides Chin refugees with support and basic services.}},
  author       = {{Pittalis, Michela}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{The Diaspora of Chin Refugees in Malaysia: Challenges and Coping Mechanisms}},
  year         = {{2019}},
}