The Grey Zone and Liminality as Complementary Conceptual Approaches for Border and Migration Studies
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The article explores the analytical value of the concepts of the grey zone and liminality for border and migration studies. It argues that the concepts can be used in a complementary way in order to highlight the interrelationship between structural and individual dimensions of migration: The concept of the grey zone makes the institutional production of ambiguous and often discriminating legal and political spaces visible. Liminality highlights the spatial, social, temporal and legal in-between-ness of migrants and captures demonstrations of agency even under restrictive regimes.
Author: Carolin Leutloff-Grandits
Institution: European University Viadrina
Language: English
Topic: Migration and Exile Studies
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4410835184