The document summarizes research on the perspectives of Sudanese refugees living in Athens, Greece. It outlines the research strategy, which involved understanding the everyday experiences and views of migrant communities. It discusses emerging themes like refugees "unmarking" themselves and distancing from labels, and the importance of social networks. The presentation also reflects on methodological challenges and proposes directions for future research, such as a more embedded ethnography of the Sudanese community in Athens.

1. SEEING THE CITY ANEW:
SUDANESE PERSPECTIVES OF
ATHENS, GREECE
SANDER VAN LANEN & VICTORIA ELAHI 2013

2. “…UNHCR was created to
keep refugees OUT of
Europe…”

3. Presentation Outline
• Research Strategy
• Hypothesis
• Methodological
Reflections
• Emerging Themes
• Directions for Future
Research
(Central Athens, Greece)

4. Research Strategy
• Everyday Experiences of Migrants
• Views of Migrant Communities
• Relationships with the city, with home,
with others
• Ethnographic Perspective

5. Questions / Hypothesis
 Social networks
 Community solidarity
 Barriers towards integration

6. Methodological
Reflections
 Time & Limited Sample
 Practical Issues
 Access & Trust
 Preconceived Ideas
 Visual Opportunities

7. Emerging Themes
-‘Unmarking’ oneself as a stranger and adoption
of a new, workable identity (Stigma of
refugee/migrant label);
-Networks (intra-nationality, local, national,
transnational);
-Possibility vs. Desirability of Return

8. Directions for
Future Research
Embedded ethnography of
Sudanese community in Athens
Comparative study of different
communities and/or different
cities
Occupation of Urban Space
Visual Ethnography
Women
(Poster at tea shop, Omonia)

9. ‘We can never be Greek; we are African’

10. Thank You!