Citation

Määttä T. Br. J. Soc. Work 2018; 48(6): 1594-1610.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/bjsw/bcx112

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Social work is yet to develop a domain-specific vantage point on the ideologically charged topic of migration. To date, social work's focus has centred on cultural competency. This paper uses information obtained from migrant narratives to understand the dynamics of belonging in the context of place and identity. Belonging is not confined to the ethnic perimeter. Visual narrative analysis was applied to make sense of the experiences of belonging. Individual and social freedoms were highlighted in the narratives. The findings challenge methodological nationalism and the multicultural framework that understands culture as a fixed entity. In addition, the findings highlight a need to build more supportive relationships with migrant clients by acknowledging that the clients are active shapers of societal practices.