Introduction

This chapter explores the social networks of asylum seekers, particularly how these are created and maintained during the asylum and dispersal processes. To do this, Marx's (1990) continuum from total destruction to persistence of social networks over space and time is utilised. The quality of social networks is shown to be important and attention is paid to the more intangible benefits of these networks.

It is argued that, for those asylum seekers who have recourse to social networks, this is the most important way in which they create a sense of ‘belonging’ in the absence of political belonging. For those without this recourse, processes of ‘remaking’ belonging are viewed. It is suggested that gaining a sense of belonging involves a trajectory of different social networks that, over time, shift asylum seekers away from the stigma of the asylum seeker label. An inherent assumption within the dispersal policy that secondary migration is a negative outcome of dispersal is therefore challenged. The main uses of social networks are shown to be for survival, information (including gaining awareness of rights), advice, as an insurance against crisis situations such as threats of deportation as well as to feel human within a system regarded as dehumanising.

From this point a continuum between the concepts of liminality and belonging is suggested. This continuum draws on this and previous chapters that have described how legislation has tightened and restricted the rights and entitlements of asylum seekers; how the structure, geography and process of the dispersal system have social excluded asylum seekers; and how tangible and intangible barriers to accessing services exist for asylum seekers.