Deaf refugees in Jordan : a conceptual framework of agency and double displacement

Displaced people and deaf people face marginalization and barriers worldwide. The agency and perspective of displaced, deaf, or disabled persons or communities is often deprioritized, stigmatized, or erased. This study inverts that dynamic and looks at the intersection of deaf and displaced populations by exploring the experiences of deaf refugees in Jordan. Deaf refugees are displaced in parallel and simultaneous ways: through forced migration, communication barriers, and disability. This study investigates these dynamics to answer the question: how do deaf refugees in Jordan mobilize their agency in the context of double displacement? This is the first research conducted with this population, drawing critical attention to this severely marginalized and invisible group. I used inclusive research methods and an agency-centric approach to co-create knowledge with Syrian & Iraqi deaf refugees in Amman & Irbid, Jordan between September 2021 and October 2022. The fieldwork included group interviews, individual interviews, and participant observation with 49 deaf refugees, as well as interviews with 20 humanitarian and governmental stakeholders. This thesis is divided into three parts. In Part One, I identify the intersections and gaps in migration, disability, and deaf studies which contextualize deaf refugees. In Part Two, I present the findings of my work with deaf refugees through two major themes: double displacement and practices. I then explore examples of how deaf refugees’ agency manifests through networks and deaf space. In Part Three, I consider how humanitarian practice can be viewed through the lens of deaf refugee agency and double displacement. This culminates in recommendations for increased inclusion and justice for this underserved population. The main findings of this research are: deaf refugees are double displaced across borders and through communication barriers. Deaf refugees mobilize their agency in several ways, including through transnational networks and the creation of deaf space. These findings contribute new nuance to wider discussions of agency, meaningful inclusion, and displacement. A recognition of deaf refugee agency and the structures of double displacement can lead to inclusive and equitable design and implementation of humanitarian practice and policy.

Grantor dc:publisher

Oxford Brookes University

Author dc:creator

• McAuliff, Kate

Contributors dc:contributor

• Brun, Cathrine
• Akerkar, Supriya

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.24384/j8wk-fq91

OAI identifier oai:identifier

tle:1198a8de-08d0-4303-940b-b707eba075c4:d6bd9758-527a-46cd-bfe2-c433766e8fca:1