Resilience in Precarity: Living Conditions of Afghan and Eritrean Refugee Families

Migration Department

Project head: Dr. Ramona Rischke ,  Dr. Zeynep Yanaşmayan

Project team members: Dr. Lukas M. Fuchs ,  Dr. Samuel Zewdie Hagos

The project examines the resilience strategies of refugee families throughout their life trajectories, shaped by instability and uncertainty. The focus lies on the narratives of their migration routes - from their countries of origin, Afghanistan and Eritrea, through transit in initial reception and neighboring countries, to their lives in Germany.

Using biographical-narrative interviews, the project explores how precarity is experienced in different phases of life and how individual agency interacts with structural conditions. Particular attention is given to the role of family ties and social networks, which can both foster resilience and trigger conflicts or stress.

The aim is to achieve a holistic understanding of migration dynamics and resilience strategies of individuals and families. The project highlights both differences and commonalities between Afghan and Eritrean refugees to provide insights into the challenges and coping strategies under precarious conditions.

Funding: Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (Institutional funding)