E-Module Chapter 4: Migrants and Precarious Housing

In this chapter, we focus on precarious housing as experienced by migrants, who are among the social groups most severely affected by precariousness, particularly (but not only) in terms of accessing adequate housing. As part of this e-module, we invite you to engage further with the aspects introduced in the textbook . 

Consolidating Knowledge

• Key concepts: We introduced you to some different categories of migrants and the different political, economic, and social aspects that contribute to their housing precariousness. Have a look at this exercise to review some of the main points.
• Reflection Task. A Decent New Home: To get some further  insights  on the situation of refugees who arrive in the EU without housing, read a journalistic account of refugee camps built at the  outermost borders of the EU. Then, reflect on the use of phrases such as ‘decent  housing’, ‘decent living conditions and ‘overcrowdedness’.
• Reflection Task. Migrants and Precarious Housing in the Local Context:  In chapter 4 we discussed the complex relation between (forced) migration and housing. Now, let us take a  detailed look at the region or city you live in.

Listening In

• PusH Podcast - Episode 6. Dispossession and Immigrants' Struggle for Housing in Madrid: In this episode of the PusH Podcast, we interview Dr. Sophie Gonick, Assistant Professor in the Department of Social and Cultural Analysis at New York University. We discuss the issue of dispossession and immigrants’ struggle for housing in Madrid where she completed her research for Ph.D. We explore topics like homeownership, discrimination, and the importance of housing in defining the migrant experience.
• PusH Podcast - Episode 10. The Danish 'Ghetto' Policy: In this  episode of the PusH Podcast, we interview Dr. Rikke Skovgaard Nielsen, senior researcher at the Department of the Build Environment at the Aalborg University in Denmark. We discuss the origins and effects of the Danish 'Ghetto' Policy.
• External Podcast in German. Die Unterbringung Geflüchteter (Refugee Housing): This episode of the FAU Human Rights Podcast concerns refugee housing in Germany, focusing on the situation in Bavaria. Prof. Petra Bendel discusses the situation in shared accomodations and „AnkER-Zentren“ with Dr. Stephan Dünnwald, Lea Gelardi (M.A.) and Dr. Olaf Kleist.
• External Podcast. Forced to Flee: This episode of the Forced to Flee podcast was produced by the UN Refugee Agency and UNHCR. In this final episode for the series, long-term options for refugees, asylum-seekers, and the internally displaced are discussed. We meet refugees who have overcome obstacles in their host countries and how some host countries are making it harder to find refuge.

Getting Active

• Analysis. Housing-Related Issues in Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX): The Migrant integration policy index (MIPEX) covers various dimensions relating to integration. Housing is not a separate domain but cuts across the whole of MIPEX. In this task, we ask you to search for and work with housing-related indicators in the MIPEX.
• Analysis. Housing-Related Issues in National Indicators of Integration: Search for the most recent Integration Monitor in your country and check how it relates to housing.
• Group Work. Developing a housing index: In this assignment, you're invited  to sit with your fellow students for around 20 minutes on an expert panel that has the task to design an index on housing for migrants.
• Group Work. Local Refugee Accommodation: Across Europe, the accommodation of refugees is  organized differently. It varies from country to country,  from (federal) state to (federal) state, and often even from municipality  to municipality. Complete the following tasks (alone or in a group) to find out more about refugee accommodation in your municipality.
• Research Task. Would You Be Allowed to Migrate?  In this assignment, you will get to know the 'point systems' used in the UK and US migration management, find out if you would be allowed to migrate and reflect upon the deeper meanings behind the selection process. 
  
• Writing Task. Architectures of Accommodation: In this assignment, you take a look at photographies of refugee accommodations in Germany and learn more about the importance of architecture.
• Writing Task. Differing Responses to Forced Migration in Europe: In this assignment, you will be asked to consider how ‘illegality’ plays into the treatment of migrants, and critically reflect on the differing EU responses to recent migration crises.
• Writing Task. "Package Deals” Among Central and Eastern European Migrant Workers in the Netherlands: Many migrant workers from Central and Eastern Europe arrive in the Netherlands with 'package deals' they receive from their employment agency that includes benefits like housing and daily transportation. However, the package deals may also be an instigator of insecurity due to the migrant's dependency on the employment agency. In this assignment, you'll learn more about these 'package deals' and be asked to answer a few questions.

Digging Deeper

• Additional Literature: This page points you to literature linked to the main themes of this chapter.
• Case Study. Deportations, Room Checks and the Right to the Inviolability of the Home in Refugee Shelters: Learn more about recent discussions and court decisions on the Right on the Inviolability of the Home in Refugee Shelters in Germany.
  
• Case Study. Private Accommodation Through the Refugees Welcome International - Network: This case study presents the work of Refugees Welcome International. Refugees Welcome aims at ensuring inclusive accommodation for refugees in a number of European Countries.
• Case Study. Squatting Athens. The City Plaza Hotel: This case study takes a look at practices of squatting, solidarity and support in Athens by describing the famous City Plaza project.
• Case Study. The UK No Accommodation Network: This case study describes the work of the "No Accommodation Network" in the UK. The Network is aiming to prevent destitution among asylum seekers and refugees.
• Data. Sources for Researching Housing and Migration: There are a number of indices and monitoring tools measuring different aspects of housing and migration.
• Data. The Eurobarometer Survey on Integration of Immigrants in the EU: Find out more about how Europeans perceive and evaluate Migration
  
• Video. PusH Partner (IUAV) Lecture. "Housing Welfare and Integration. Beyond Reception, Towards an Ordinary Access to Housing":  On March 26, 2021, IAUV held a seminar on housing and migration. Videos are in Italian.
• Video. PusH Partner (IUAV) Round Table. Access to Housing for Foreign Citizens: This regional talk, held by the IUAV on 06.06.2022 talks about opportunities and difficulties in regards to providing access to housing
• Video. Ted-Talk 'What Does it Mean to Be a   Refugee'?: What does the term refugee really mean? This Ted-Ed video by Benedetta Berti and Evelien Borgman helps break down the term.