'Between nation and state' : exploring identity, gender and human security among Afghan refugees and asylum seekers in Norway

Abstract

Afghan refugees and asylum seekers constitute one of the largest groups of immigrants in Norway, and have for decades fled from conflict, human rights violations and insecurity in Afghanistan. Their lives in Norway are characterized as a situation between nation and state, as they are not citizens, although bound to the state. This study is an exploration of their various experiences and perceptions of identity formation, gender roles and relations, and the various forms of human security. It includes an examination of how these experiences and perceptions alter before, during and after flight, with an emphasis on the time in Norway after flight. Likewise, their future prospects are analyzed as it is closely connected to the long-term perspective of human security