Presentation at University College Cork 06.11.2025

I gave a presentation on "Structural conditions of placemaking for Somali migrants in Germany" during a symposium on "Homemaking, Bordering and Belonging" at the University College Cork, organised by Mastoureh Fathi (UCC). Other invited speakers for the inspiring workshop were Francesco Cerchiaro (Radbound University), Rik Huizinga (Utrecht University), and Arshad Isakjee (Liverpool University).

More information on the workshop: https://www.ucc.ie/en/iss21/sign_up/homemaking-bordering-and-belonging.html

Abstract for my presentation:

To go the (un)straight line. Structural conditions of placemaking for Somali migrants in Germany

This presentation does not deal with homemaking as such, but rather with the structural conditions of settling and placemaking. By following the migration histories of two Somali migrants in Germany, I will discuss how experiences before and while moving to Europe influence the ways in which they able to build a new life. Furthermore, I will explore five dimensions of settling – in addition to drawing on Bourdieu's notion of economic, cultural and social capital, I will examine legal capital and housing. All five dimensions have a significant influence on how forced migrants in Germany are able to settle and establish a new home. The presentation is based on long-term fieldwork conducted in Kenya, Germany, and Austria.