Displaced: The Human Cost of Development and Resettlement (Palgrave Studies in Oral History) Book

Although displacement is commonly associated with refugees fleeing conflict millions of people are resettled every year in the name of development and progress. Many of these individuals endure social and cultural disruption as well as economic upheaval and a significant number never regain their former quality of life. Despite this the voices of those with direct experience of displacement are rarely heard. Displaced seeks to redress this bringing together oral histories that reveal the loss of cultural continuity and identity shifts in family responsibilities and gender roles and fractured relationships between generations that are just some of the challenges people face as they attempt to rebuild lives and communities. Although these narratives are suffused with regret and a sense of loss they also demonstrate resourcefulness and resilience in the face of profound change. Development's social cost continues to be under-reported; these stories are a crucial reminder of its often devastating consequences.Read More