Helen Forbes-Mewett – författare

More than three million students globally are on the move each year, crossing borders for their tertiary education. Many travel from Asia and Africa to English speaking countries, led by the United States, including the UK, Australia and New Zealand where students pay tuition fees at commercial rates and prop up an education export sector that has become lucrative for the provider nations. But the 'no frills' commercial form of tertiary education, designed to minimise costs and maximise revenues, leaves many international students inadequately protected and less than satisfied. International Student Security draws on a close study of international students in Australia, and exposes opportunity, difficulty, danger and courage on a massive scale in the global student market. It works through many unresolved issues confronting students and their families, including personal safety, language proficiency, finances, sub-standard housing, loneliness and racism.

Musasizi, Arunachalam and Forbes-Mewett take a sociological approach to explore the complexities of cultural proximity and how it intersects with situational factors such as social, economic and historical events to influence refugee-host relations in Uganda.Drawing on the everyday lived experiences of host community members, cultural leaders, local political and refugee leaders, and relief organisations, including UNHCR, this book examines how cultural affinities between host communities and different refugee groups intersect with situational and structural factors to shape refugee-host relations. The book problematises viewing refugees as a homogeneous group and applies the insider and outsider theory to explore factors that underlie inclusion and exclusion in host communities' relations with different refugee groups. Some refugee groups not only are socially, culturally and ideologically distant from locals but also practise forms of livelihoods which, in the hosts' view, threaten economic life in the host communities. The host communities are particularly threatened by the cultural incongruence, which is believed to interfere with their way of life. The book provides knowledge and understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of refugee-host relations and offers key insights for guiding policy and practice, especially in countries that host large refugee populations.A valuable resource for researchers and academics in sociology, migration and refugee studies, and those interested to understand how cultural proximity influences refugee-host relations and how the diverse nature of refugees shapes their relations with host state and communities.

Musasizi, Arunachalam and Forbes-Mewett take a sociological approach to explore the complexities of cultural proximity and how it intersects with situational factors such as social, economic and historical events to influence refugee-host relations in Uganda.Drawing on the everyday lived experiences of host community members, cultural leaders, local political and refugee leaders, and relief organisations, including UNHCR, this book examines how cultural affinities between host communities and different refugee groups intersect with situational and structural factors to shape refugee-host relations. The book problematises viewing refugees as a homogeneous group and applies the insider and outsider theory to explore factors that underlie inclusion and exclusion in host communities' relations with different refugee groups. Some refugee groups not only are socially, culturally and ideologically distant from locals but also practise forms of livelihoods which, in the hosts' view, threaten economic life in the host communities. The host communities are particularly threatened by the cultural incongruence, which is believed to interfere with their way of life. The book provides knowledge and understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of refugee-host relations and offers key insights for guiding policy and practice, especially in countries that host large refugee populations.A valuable resource for researchers and academics in sociology, migration and refugee studies, and those interested to understand how cultural proximity influences refugee-host relations and how the diverse nature of refugees shapes their relations with host state and communities.

Musasizi, Arunachalam and Forbes-Mewett take a sociological approach to explore the complexities of cultural proximity and how it intersects with situational factors such as social, economic and historical events to influence refugee-host relations in Uganda.Drawing on the everyday lived experiences of host community members, cultural leaders, local political and refugee leaders, and relief organisations, including UNHCR, this book examines how cultural affinities between host communities and different refugee groups intersect with situational and structural factors to shape refugee-host relations. The book problematises viewing refugees as a homogeneous group and applies the insider and outsider theory to explore factors that underlie inclusion and exclusion in host communities’ relations with different refugee groups. Some refugee groups not only are socially, culturally and ideologically distant from locals but also practise forms of livelihoods which, in the hosts’ view, threaten economic life in the host communities. The host communities are particularly threatened by the cultural incongruence, which is believed to interfere with their way of life. The book provides knowledge and understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of refugee-host relations and offers key insights for guiding policy and practice, especially in countries that host large refugee populations.A valuable resource for researchers and academics in sociology, migration and refugee studies, and those interested to understand how cultural proximity influences refugee-host relations and how the diverse nature of refugees shapes their relations with host state and communities.

The New Security places the concept of ‘security’ under the spotlight to analyse its meaning in an original and contemporary context. In so doing, Forbes-Mewett revisits the notion from the perspectives of individuals and communities to understand what security means in our culturally diverse, contemporary society. Chapters highlight the extent of the shift of traditional uses of the term from the established perspective of international relations to a more commonly used concept which now broadly relates to many aspects of peoples’ everyday experiences.   Based on empirical studies of security in relation to housing, employment, food, personal security and campus settings in times of perceived heightened risk, this book presents new and different ways of thinking about security to demonstrate how we need to expand the dialogue surrounding the concept. Drawing on empirical research to describe, analyse and reposition the concept of security to have meaning in diverse everyday contexts, this methodological and insightful text will be of particular interest to scholars and students of criminological theory, security studies and sociology.

The New Security places the concept of ‘security’ under the spotlight to analyse its meaning in an original and contemporary context. In so doing, Forbes-Mewett revisits the notion from the perspectives of individuals and communities to understand what security means in our culturally diverse, contemporary society. Chapters highlight the extent of the shift of traditional uses of the term from the established perspective of international relations to a more commonly used concept which now broadly relates to many aspects of peoples’ everyday experiences.   Based on empirical studies of security in relation to housing, employment, food, personal security and campus settings in times of perceived heightened risk, this book presents new and different ways of thinking about security to demonstrate how we need to expand the dialogue surrounding the concept. Drawing on empirical research to describe, analyse and reposition the concept of security to have meaning in diverse everyday contexts, this methodological and insightful text will be of particular interest to scholars and students of criminological theory, security studies and sociology.                             

Populations across the world are becoming increasingly mobile for many different reasons. Some are searching for a better and safer life, others migrate for economic or environmental purposes, education, or identity formation. While mobility may bring better life-chances, this book shows that for some it means experiencing vulnerability.Vulnerability in a Mobile World considers the notion of vulnerability from various standpoints including intercultural relationships, homelessness, urbanisation, refugee and asylum seekers, and the use of YouTube by young girls. The diversity of the circumstances and characteristics of the vulnerable enable this book to uniquely show just how broad the notion of vulnerability can be. Presenting an international perspective to social problems in various settings, the chapters are brought together in a coherent argument that shows vulnerability has many forms and is often associated with mobile populations. Vulnerability in a Mobile World is based on a collection of studies by new and emerging scholars focussing on the impacts of migration and mobility in contemporary contexts. Within this framework, each chapter presents new findings that provides poignant examples of vulnerability involving diverse populations, geographical locations and circumstances.

Populations across the world are becoming increasingly mobile for many different reasons. Some are searching for a better and safer life, others migrate for economic or environmental purposes, education, or identity formation. While mobility may bring better life-chances, this book shows that for some it means experiencing vulnerability.Vulnerability in a Mobile World considers the notion of vulnerability from various standpoints including intercultural relationships, homelessness, urbanisation, refugee and asylum seekers, and the use of YouTube by young girls. The diversity of the circumstances and characteristics of the vulnerable enable this book to uniquely show just how broad the notion of vulnerability can be. Presenting an international perspective to social problems in various settings, the chapters are brought together in a coherent argument that shows vulnerability has many forms and is often associated with mobile populations. Vulnerability in a Mobile World is based on a collection of studies by new and emerging scholars focussing on the impacts of migration and mobility in contemporary contexts. Within this framework, each chapter presents new findings that provides poignant examples of vulnerability involving diverse populations, geographical locations and circumstances.

Populations across the world are becoming increasingly mobile for many different reasons. Some are searching for a better and safer life, others migrate for economic or environmental purposes, education, or identity formation. While mobility may bring better life-chances, this book shows that for some it means experiencing vulnerability.Vulnerability in a Mobile World considers the notion of vulnerability from various standpoints including intercultural relationships, homelessness, urbanisation, refugee and asylum seekers, and the use of YouTube by young girls. The diversity of the circumstances and characteristics of the vulnerable enable this book to uniquely show just how broad the notion of vulnerability can be. Presenting an international perspective to social problems in various settings, the chapters are brought together in a coherent argument that shows vulnerability has many forms and is often associated with mobile populations. Vulnerability in a Mobile World is based on a collection of studies by new and emerging scholars focussing on the impacts of migration and mobility in contemporary contexts. Within this framework, each chapter presents new findings that provides poignant examples of vulnerability involving diverse populations, geographical locations and circumstances.

This book describes the ethnic identity construction involved in ‘being’, ‘feeling’ and ‘doing’ Chinese for multi-generation Australian-born Chinese, who were born and raised in a different social environment. It demonstrates how Chineseness is manifested in a multitude of ways and totally debunks any notion that being Chinese is a simple identity marker. The book shows that while there are commonalities with the American-born, the experiences of Australia-born Chinese are distinct in many ways.This book is a timely and critically examination of the inescapability of Chineseness particularly when social and economic stability is threatened and those in power are looking for a scapegoat.

This book describes the ethnic identity construction involved in ‘being’, ‘feeling’ and ‘doing’ Chinese for multi-generation Australian-born Chinese, who were born and raised in a different social environment. It demonstrates how Chineseness is manifested in a multitude of ways and totally debunks any notion that being Chinese is a simple identity marker. The book shows that while there are commonalities with the American-born, the experiences of Australia-born Chinese are distinct in many ways.This book is a timely and critically examination of the inescapability of Chineseness particularly when social and economic stability is threatened and those in power are looking for a scapegoat.

This book describes the ethnic identity construction involved in ‘being’, ‘feeling’ and ‘doing’ Chinese for multi-generation Australian-born Chinese, who were born and raised in a different social environment. It demonstrates how Chineseness is manifested in a multitude of ways and totally debunks any notion that being Chinese is a simple identity marker. The book shows that while there are commonalities with the American-born, the experiences of Australia-born Chinese are distinct in many ways.This book is a timely and critically examination of the inescapability of Chineseness particularly when social and economic stability is threatened and those in power are looking for a scapegoat.

This book examines the critical intersection of demographic ageing and climate change in Bangladesh, including comparison with other Asia countries. Located in the dynamic delta system of Southeast Asia, Bangladesh is constantly exposed to extreme weather events, the frequency and intensity of which are exacerbated by climate change. Although these disasters affect the entire population, this book argues that older people are at a distinct and disproportionate risk due to their reduced ability to adapt to severe climate-related shocks. Drawing on extensive qualitative field research, the book provides a detailed account of the vulnerability of older adults in a coastal sub-district in Bangladesh. The analysis draws on in-depth interviews with older men and women, whose narratives provide a powerful perspective on life before, during, and after catastrophic weather events. These accounts reveal an ongoing cycle of vulnerability in which cyclones and floods not only destroy material assets such as homes and livelihoods but also cause profound physical and psychological trauma. The resulting disruption of social support networks, loss of income, and forced migration to survive further exacerbate their insecurity. The study identifies several major causes of vulnerability, including the geophysical exposure of the coastal region, the prevalence of non-resilient housing, profound income insecurity, and a high degree of dependence on family support systems. The analysis carefully distinguishes between formal state initiatives, such as the Old Age Allowance, and informal support systems rooted in community and kinship. It shows how formal programmes can strengthen financial stability and ensure access to essentials, while informal networks provide immediate support and practical assistance in the aftermath of a disaster. By synthesising the concepts of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptation, this book offers evidence-based insights into one of the critical challenges of our time. The findings and recommendations are essential for researchers, policy makers and practitioners in the fields of gerontology, disaster management, and climate adaptation, and are an important resource for efforts to protect vulnerable older populations in Bangladesh and other climate-affected regions around the world, in particular in other Asian countries.