Roots and Routes of Displacement and Trauma

This exciting new book explores the lived conditions and experiences of trauma among the forcibly displaced, refugees, and migrants -- those who are uprooted from their places of origin -- tracing their journeys of transition to sites of arrival. Bringing together contributions by scholars, activists, professionals, and practitioners from a variety of fields and backgrounds, Roots and Routes of Displacement and Trauma is one of the first works of its kind to interrogate the social, political, and economic contexts of forced displacement in relation to its traumatic outcomes.

The goal of the book is to encourage students and practitioners to critically analyze the causes and contexts of displacement. The resilience and strengths of migrants are emphasized, and readers are encouraged to learn what it means for people to adapt in the face of their new lived realities while challenging oppression.

Among the topics explored in the book are theoretical approaches to displacement and trauma; the impact of environmental disasters, HIV/AIDS, war and conflict, gun violence, and employment trauma on displacement and trauma; the experiences of specific groups with respect to displacement, trauma, and healing, including indigenous peoples of Canada, the Maya of Guatemala, Roma, and Iraqi and Afghan women; ethical issues related to working with refugees; the effects of government policy on the lives of refugees in receiving countries; and the challenges faced by practitioners in working with migrants and refugees.

The book is an invaluable resource for practitioners and scholars, as well as required reading for students in social work, social service and community worker, and immigrant studies programs.

Soheila Pashang is program coordinator and professor in the Social Service Worker/Immigrants and Refugees Program at Seneca College in Toronto, Canada. Sheila Gruner is associate professor in community economic and social development at Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada.