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Can You Prove Your Inner Emotional Process? Exploring Caseworkers’ Perspective on Assessing SOGIE Asylum

Andersson, Alexandra LU (2024) WPMM42 20241
Sociology
School of Social Work
Department of Sociology
Abstract
This thesis explores the role of the Swedish Migration Agency (SMA) caseworkers in sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE) asylum assessments. Through seven semi-structured interviews with the SMA caseworkers, this thesis investigates their understanding, experience, and interpretation of the SOGIE asylum assessment and their role. This research queries how bureaucratic structures influence the caseworkers’ role. Concepts of identity, identification, and power are discussed in the analysis by employing a queer theory and social constructivist framework. The findings and analysis shed light on the bureaucratic violence ingrained in the SMA’s essentialist understanding of SOGIE asylum seekers, simplifying identity and... (More)
This thesis explores the role of the Swedish Migration Agency (SMA) caseworkers in sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE) asylum assessments. Through seven semi-structured interviews with the SMA caseworkers, this thesis investigates their understanding, experience, and interpretation of the SOGIE asylum assessment and their role. This research queries how bureaucratic structures influence the caseworkers’ role. Concepts of identity, identification, and power are discussed in the analysis by employing a queer theory and social constructivist framework. The findings and analysis shed light on the bureaucratic violence ingrained in the SMA’s essentialist understanding of SOGIE asylum seekers, simplifying identity and ignoring diversity. To distinguish between ‘true’ queer refugees and unreliable asylum seekers, caseworkers adopt a sceptical and interrogative stance during the assessment. In this setting, asylum caseworkers function as executors of state policy and struggle internally to balance their compassion and bureaucratic efficiency, resulting in emotional detachment. The thesis finally suggests that the SMA SOGIE asylum system may be inappropriate due to lack of training, unclear guidelines, and inadequate time and staffing – crucial for fair and just assessments. (Less)
Popular Abstract
This master’s thesis is on the topic of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE) asylum – also referred to as SOGIE, queer, or LGBTQI asylum. To examine the subject, I study the Swedish Migration Agency (SMA) caseworkers who are responsible for assessing SOGIE asylum. In their daily work, they carry out interviews with asylum seekers to assess whether they are in need of protection or not. I conducted seven online interviews with asylum caseworkers, asking them about their work and what it is like working as a state employee. I ask how they interpret guidelines, understand their role, and how bureaucratic structures influence the assessment. The research aims and questions were developed by engaging in previous research... (More)
This master’s thesis is on the topic of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE) asylum – also referred to as SOGIE, queer, or LGBTQI asylum. To examine the subject, I study the Swedish Migration Agency (SMA) caseworkers who are responsible for assessing SOGIE asylum. In their daily work, they carry out interviews with asylum seekers to assess whether they are in need of protection or not. I conducted seven online interviews with asylum caseworkers, asking them about their work and what it is like working as a state employee. I ask how they interpret guidelines, understand their role, and how bureaucratic structures influence the assessment. The research aims and questions were developed by engaging in previous research about SOGIE asylum and asylum management. The theoretical framework covers concepts from queer theory and social constructivism. For example, I engage with theories regarding power and identity. The findings and analysis consist of three sections. Firstly, I discuss how SOGIE are essentialised by the SMA. Essentialising is a process that simplifies identity into simple and fixed characteristics, ignoring the diverse human experience. Second, I analyse how the caseworkers understand and navigate their role in the context of SOGIE asylum. Lastly, I examine the internal criticism that the caseworkers express and how it indicates possible conflicts and challenges within the SMA. The result of the thesis points to the fact that the processing of SOGIE asylum lacks sufficient training, time, staffing, and guidelines for it to be carried out as fairly as possible. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Andersson, Alexandra LU
supervisor
organization
course
WPMM42 20241
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
SOGIE, asylum, caseworker, Sweden, migration agency, queer theory
language
English
id
9160876
date added to LUP
2024-06-11 15:54:29
date last changed
2024-06-11 15:54:29
@misc{9160876,
  abstract     = {{This thesis explores the role of the Swedish Migration Agency (SMA) caseworkers in sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE) asylum assessments. Through seven semi-structured interviews with the SMA caseworkers, this thesis investigates their understanding, experience, and interpretation of the SOGIE asylum assessment and their role. This research queries how bureaucratic structures influence the caseworkers’ role. Concepts of identity, identification, and power are discussed in the analysis by employing a queer theory and social constructivist framework. The findings and analysis shed light on the bureaucratic violence ingrained in the SMA’s essentialist understanding of SOGIE asylum seekers, simplifying identity and ignoring diversity. To distinguish between ‘true’ queer refugees and unreliable asylum seekers, caseworkers adopt a sceptical and interrogative stance during the assessment. In this setting, asylum caseworkers function as executors of state policy and struggle internally to balance their compassion and bureaucratic efficiency, resulting in emotional detachment. The thesis finally suggests that the SMA SOGIE asylum system may be inappropriate due to lack of training, unclear guidelines, and inadequate time and staffing – crucial for fair and just assessments.}},
  author       = {{Andersson, Alexandra}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Can You Prove Your Inner Emotional Process? Exploring Caseworkers’ Perspective on Assessing SOGIE Asylum}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}