Marked on the voice : the visibility experiences of Russian heritage migrants following the war against Ukraine

• Identities fundamental to the self, such as race and gender, can operatethrough visual markers on the body. Identities related to a person’s heritage, ornationality, can also become visible. However, when physical appearance means thata person can pass as a member of a dominant group, being identified or ‘marked’ asother takes place through language use. In migration contexts, situations where aperson’s heritage or nationality is revealed can lead to experiences of vulnerability.This study investigated the experiences of five Russian-speaking women living inSweden whose migrant backgrounds were not visibly noticeable, up until the pointthat interaction was initiated. Interviews were carried out in the summer of 2022during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Data was analysed using a double hermeneutic approach. Findings revealed how, following the outbreak of the war, the fearof becoming visible increased. Fears of exposure triggered vigilant behaviours, andan experience of needing to regulate visibility. Results show how the experience ofhaving situational control over visibility could buffer against emotional pain causedby perceptions of negative positionings, and the risk of prejudicial treatment.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Internationell migration och etniska relationer (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Other Social Sciences -- International Migration and Ethnic Relations (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Sociologi -- Socialt arbete (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Sociology -- Social Work (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Annan samhällsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Other Social Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

identity; visible identities; migration

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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