Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

PhD

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Committee Chair

Bradley Wilson

Committee Co-Chair

Cynthia Gorman

Committee Member

Maria Perez

Committee Member

Jamie Shinn

Committee Member

Joshua Lohnes

Abstract

This dissertation centres young refugee-migrant women’s voices, perspectives, concerns, and actions living in a small, rural Appalachian town called Easton, exploring their social, cultural, and economic experiences. It infers that through their critical participation in family life and labour in making a home in a new place, young refugee-migrant women’s relations to family and place impact how they negotiate their aspirations and future im/mobilities to create pathways to emplacement. Emplacement is an ongoing process that hinges on the efforts of individuals, families, and communities to find a way in a new place by giving meaning to their surroundings. This research has also sought to advance the theory of emplacement through the displaced experiences of young refugee-migrant women. It draws from over 30 in-depth interviews with young refugee-migrant women, their families, and other key collaborators, as well as participant observation, field notes, and time spent in place over the course of 3 years.

Embargo Reason

Publication Pending

Available for download on Saturday, August 02, 2025

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