Migrants' spatial practices and experiences in Athens, Greece.

Abstract

The most recent economic and political crisis in Greece since 2009 has turned migration into a pressing social problem. Political discourse and public attitudes towards migrants have worsened significantly the last two years. The spectacular rise of extreme right-wing forces has contributed to phenomena of overt xenophobia, racism, violence and insecurity in public space in the centre of Athens. The aim of this study is to show how migrants experience encounters with difference in everyday life and what spatial practices subsequently employ to maneuver public space. The study focuses on two immigrant groups, namely Pakistani and Egyptians that live in a so-called migrant neighbourhood in the centre of Athens. These groups are the two most deprived immigrant groups in Athens. They consist of a significantly vulnerable young population, which is targeted by far-right wing groups. This study reflects upon the in-depth interviews and migrants’ mental maps to describe migrants’ everyday life and to identify the spatial practices that migrants pursue. It then tries to get a deeper understanding of their embodied experiences and practices. The research shows that migrants deploy various spatial practices in order to avoid certain ‘no-go’ areas. This study uncovers several factors that affect moving through public spaces, the most important of which is the colour of the skin.