Journal of International Women's Studies
Volume 15, Issue 1, 2014, Pages 83-95

"You keep yourself strong": A discourse analysis of African women asylum seekers' talk about emotions (Article)

Clare M. , Goodman S. , Liebling H. , Laing H.
  • a Coventry University, United Kingdom, University of Warwick, United Kingdom
  • b Coventry University, United Kingdom
  • c Coventry University, United Kingdom
  • d Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre, United Kingdom

Abstract

The current study investigates how asylum-seeking African women use talk about emotion to construct empowered roles for themselves. A discourse analysis was conducted on interviews with African asylum-seeking women. Participants used two interacting repertoires, 'rejecting pity' and 'being strong', to resist inferior positions. By constructing themselves as strong and not needing pity, participants positioned themselves as in control of their lives, and thus presented as responsible and capable mothers, a role they are accountable for. Clinical implications and findings for future research are discussed. © 2014 Journal of International Women's Studies.

Author Keywords

African Women Strong asylum-seeker emotions

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84897880855&partnerID=40&md5=600a4c6ab5fb9b1872f1e3d4e34a4c2f
ISSN: 15398706
Cited by: 6
Original Language: English