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Description

The global immigration crisis has brought the challenges of refugee and migrant populations to the forefront of contemporary issues. This thesis explores the situation of refugees in France, contextualizing it within theoretical frameworks that examine identity, citizenship, and the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion in a sovereign state. By engaging with contemporary theories on the citizenship dichotomy—legality versus illegality—this work evaluates the perspectives of civil society, governmental entities, and NGOs on humanitarianism and the concept of “fearism.” Focusing on refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers in the northern French camps of Sangatte and the surrounding “jungles,” the study begins with an analysis of French immigration policies and the portrayal of the "Other." Utilizing theoretical perspectives and case studies from camp volunteers and researchers, this thesis scrutinizes the refugee crisis in France and how social movements are empowering refugees and detained migrants to challenge imposed labels and restrictive legal and physical boundaries. Finally, this research considers the potential for reconciling dichotomies, such as the identity of “victim” versus “agent,” and explores how social movements are creating spaces for refugees to assert agency. By amplifying marginalized voices and questioning fixed identities, this study aims to contribute to a broader and more functional concept of citizenship.