Operation of Power Through Gratefulness/gratitude: Experiences of Syrian Refugees and Asylum Seekers in the United Kingdom

Abstract

This research constitutes a rare effort in examining how gratefulness/gratitude constructs refugees’/asylum seekers’ lived experiences by centring underlying presence of power. Power in gratefulness/gratitude is here de fined by using colonialism/coloniality framework to establish asylum as a continuation of those processes. Types of manifestations of gratefulness/gratitude that were explored were expressing signs of appreciation, confirming white saviourism and making concessions through integration, contribution to the new society and humility. Two main conclusions were made. Firstly, the study found that involuntary and voluntary expressions of gratefulness/ gratitude can overlap, meaning that even voluntary expressions can be tied to power. Secondly, gratefulness/ gratitude can take different forms; as a tool of control and marginalisation of refugees/asylum seekers, for obtaining benefits or as actual gratefulness/gratitude.