"Every morning before you open the door you have to watch for that brown envelope": complexities and challenges of undertaking oral history with Ethiopian forced migrants in London, UK.

Journal: The Oral history review

Volume: 37

Issue: 1

Year of Publication: 2010

Affiliated Institutions:  Univ. of Kent.

Abstract summary 

The experience, "voice," and perceptions of the "individual refugee" is conspicuous by its virtual absence from academic research. The few studies dealing with black adn minority ethnic experiences from an emic perspective in relation to mental health do not specifically refer to refugees or asylum seekers. This article explores the use of oral history techniques when researching Ethiopian forced migrants in the U.K. Based on two pilot research projects which explored Ethiopian culture and experience in reference to mental health adn well-being, it will focus on some of the complexities and challenges encountered. This article acknowledges the need for an understanding of cultural traditions as well as history and experience when planning and implementing such research as this proved to be an essential part of the research process, ensuring that individual stories and truths were allowed to evolve. The oral history approach for this research therefore ensured that the experiential knowledge of the Ethiopian forced migrant participants was given space, authenticity, and validity.

Authors & Co-authors:  Palmer David D

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  1
Identifiers
Doi : 
SSN : 0094-0798
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Civil Rights
Other Terms
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Ethiopia
Publication Country
United States