Feminist Borderland Theory and Karen Refugees: Finding Place in the Family

Narratives as Borders

“…28 Traumatic events may be processed as narratives when they are a too difficult to hold in consciousness. Young et al 23 suggested that the space between created borders becomes the family; thus, the articulation of narrative is a critical component of a healing process. Documentation of treatment approaches with patients with somatic symptoms shows that emphasizing narratives that link trauma, culture, and physical symptoms are useful.…”

“…21,22 Borders benefit people in authority, as they are positioned to perpetuate power through policy and regulations that impact the marginalized. 23 Through the lens of this theory, the study team framed ways that the retelling of experiences in war acknowledged the complex layers of isolation, power, and control, thus allowing space for reprioritization of women's experience. 23 Critical engagement with the concept of borders is relevant to the interpretation of trauma narratives.…”

“…23 Through the lens of this theory, the study team framed ways that the retelling of experiences in war acknowledged the complex layers of isolation, power, and control, thus allowing space for reprioritization of women's experience. 23 Critical engagement with the concept of borders is relevant to the interpretation of trauma narratives. Women with refugee status construct identity within spaces of cultural difference.…”

“…Integral to this analysis is Feminist Borderlands Theory, which conceptualizes the redistribution of power from people benefiting from borders to those impacted by them 21,22. Borders benefit people in authority, as they are positioned to perpetuate power through policy and regulations that impact the marginalized 23. Through the lens of this theory, the study team framed ways that the retelling of experiences in war acknowledged the complex layers of isolation, power, and control, thus allowing space for reprioritization of women's experience 23.…”

“We Pray as a Family”: The Role of Religion for Resettled Karen Refugees

“…The current study features data from a larger ethnographic study on Karen refugees living in a small, rural resettlement community in the Southeastern US. The larger study was intended to study their values, beliefs, and daily family lives at home and in their communities (Lewis & Spivey, 2015; Spivey & Lewis, 2016; Young, Muruthi, Chou & Chevalier, 2018). Ethnographic methods and used in-depth semi-structured interviews, daily observation, and spent time with families in their homes and attended community events over the course of two years (Patton, 2002).…”