Inhabiting Spaces of Liminality: Migrants in Omonia, Athens

Abstract

When a dominant group yields space to the ‘other’, boundaries are redrawn in urban space or time. However, as migration increases, the ‘other’ becomes increasingly diverse. Through a study of the Omonia area of Athens, this article addresses two gaps at the intersection of urban and migration studies: (How) is spatial differentiation constructed and negotiated among migrant groups? (How) is it maintained over time? Findings enrich our understanding of liminal moments and zones. Different migrant groups maintain distinct spatial boundaries within overlapping areas without overt conflict; and access to distinct spaces is negotiated over time within migrant groups. This is discussed in terms of the role of norms of public behaviour and modes of socialisation in defining divisions in public space.

Keywords:

• Migrants
• Urban Public Space
• Liminality
• Athens

Notes

1. Following experiences in the pilot study, the respondents were not explicitly asked about their legal status in Greece, as it was concluded that the results might undercount illegality of various sorts. However, a number of respondents volunteered comments which shed light on their status, and these are discussed in the text.

2. All interviews were carried out in Greek by fieldworkers or the researchers, and translated into English by the bilingual researcher. Although carried out in and around Omonia, respondents’ privacy was ensured by holding the interview individually. All names used in the text are pseudonyms. Where it appears in quotations, emphasis (italicised) has been added.

3. According to the official 2001 Population Census, 7.3 per cent of the total population of Greece are foreigners. Of these, 57.5 per cent are Albanians, followed by 4.6 per cent Bulgarians and 3.0 per cent Georgians.

4. Mundi. http://www.indexmundi.com/greece/unemployment_rate.html

5. The overwhelming majority of ISC/AMC male migrants lived locally in shared accommodation, while a small number (3) were sufficiently successful to have moved out to the suburbs.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Antonia Noussia

Antonia Noussia is Senior Lecturer in Urban and Tourism Studies at London South Bank University

Michal Lyons

Michal Lyons is Professor of Urban Development in Urban and Tourism Studies at London South Bank University