Migration and the Loss of Continuity

Research Focus

We examine migration through the lens of relational continuity, suggesting that displacement is a disruption of temporal and social bonds rather than just a physical move. To analyze these shifts, we refer to the Anangu principle of Kanyini, which emphasizes deep interconnectedness between individuals, their kin, the land, and their shared history. While migration often fractures established links to language, family, and place, the research highlights how people maintain identity through memory, storytelling, and cultural practices. Ultimately, we illustrate that refugees and migrants are not merely passive victims of loss but active agents who forge new forms of belonging in their new environments. By integrating inherited traditions with fresh experiences, individuals can reconstruct a sense of home and resilience despite the challenges of relocation. This framework offers a more holistic way to understand wellbeing and integration in the context of global displacement.