Theorising the “humanisation” of refugees: a decolonial approach
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: While there is growing literature on the dehumanisation of refugees, there is comparatively little theorisation of humanisation. Humanisation is often assumed to be a progressive move of recognising the common humanity of refugees. Naming this the “humanisation as inclusion” thesis, I use decolonial theory to challenge the dichotomy between dehumanisation/exclusion and humanisation/inclusion. Based on thematic analysis of scholarship on the humanisation of refugees during the “European refugee crisis”, I identify four main elements that comprise the concept of humanisation: individualisation, common humanity, empathy, and voice. I use those elements to illustrate how a decolonial approach to humanisation sheds light on the modern/colonial hierarchies that continue to organise who is considered human, and problematises which humanity refugees are excluded from/included into. This broadens the scope of scholarship on humanisation and refugees: from whether refugees are included into humanity, to revealing and reimagining who is defining the human, and for what purpose.
Source: Ethnic and Racial Studies
Author: Moe Suzuki
Institution: London School of Economics and Political Science
Language: English
Topic: Migration and Exile Studies
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4408161216