Theorising the “humanisation” of refugees: a decolonial approach

Suzuki, Moe ORCID: 0000-0002-7472-2343 (2025) Theorising the “humanisation” of refugees: a decolonial approach. Ethnic and Racial Studies. ISSN 0141-9870

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Abstract

While there is growing literature on the dehumanisation of refugees, there is comparatively little theorisation of humanisation. Humanisation is often assumed to be a progressive move of recognising the common humanity of refugees. Naming this the “humanisation as inclusion” thesis, I use decolonial theory to challenge the dichotomy between dehumanisation/exclusion and humanisation/inclusion. Based on thematic analysis of scholarship on the humanisation of refugees during the “European refugee crisis”, I identify four main elements that comprise the concept of humanisation: individualisation, common humanity, empathy, and voice. I use those elements to illustrate how a decolonial approach to humanisation sheds light on the modern/colonial hierarchies that continue to organise who is considered human, and problematises which humanity refugees are excluded from/included into. This broadens the scope of scholarship on humanisation and refugees: from whether refugees are included into humanity, to revealing and reimagining who is defining the human, and for what purpose.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2025 The Author
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Date Deposited:	18 Feb 2025 10:15
Last Modified:	07 Mar 2025 15:24
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/127333

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