As part of the “When the Dust Settles” project, our research partners at the University of East Anglia have published a new article.
The article “Time and Displacement: Changed Temporal Experiences of Refugee Families After Reunion” examines how refugee families’ perception of time evolves after reuniting in the UK, specifically in Manchester and Glasgow. Drawing from a year of fieldwork using interviews, photography, and film, the authors explore the emotional and physical impacts of prolonged separation, trauma, and displacement.
Key findings reveal that the bureaucratic delays during asylum applications create a suspended sense of time, leaving refugees in a prolonged state of uncertainty. Even after reunification, many families struggle to regain a sense of normalcy. Physical and mental trauma persist, with participants reporting continued suffering manifested through bodily pain, anxiety, and feelings of guilt for relatives left behind in their home countries.
The study highlights how refugees adopt coping strategies, such as practicing patience, engaging in rituals (e.g., preparing traditional foods or coffee), and pursuing hobbies, like art or walking in nature, to regain control over their time and improve their well-being. These strategies help counteract the stress induced by past trauma and the ongoing uncertainties of their new lives in the UK.
Interestingly, family reunification, while initially a source of joy, often brings new challenges. Relationships between family members are sometimes strained, particularly with children who have grown older in the parents’ absence. New responsibilities, such as navigating the school system, supporting family members’ adaptation, and dealing with health issues, further complicate this transition.
Despite these difficulties, refugees begin to feel more optimistic about the future, with men reporting a greater ability to organize their time and focus on long-term planning. Women, however, face additional barriers, such as language difficulties and caring for children, which can delay their integration. The absence of extended family, particularly for women, is a significant source of emotional distress.
The article underscores that while refugees gain a more active experience of time post-reunion, their journey remains one of liminality—caught between their pasts and an uncertain future. The research advocates for a greater understanding of these ongoing temporal tensions to better support refugee families.
You can read the full article here.
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