Time and Refugee Placemaking in Urban Spaces: The Experiences of Ethiopian Australians in Melbourne

The Moynihan Institute’s Maxwell African Scholars Union (MASU) presents Dr. Goshu Tefera.

Time is a fundamental dimension of human existence. However, when it comes to migration, the discourse frequently revolves around spatial dimensions, overlooking the temporal facets involved. In this presentation, Dr. Tefera explores the temporalities of refugee migration among Ethiopian Australians in Melbourne, focusing on their experiences of settlement. Settling in Melbourne, a highly urbanized capitalist space with a fast-paced rhythm, the production relations are temporally-mediated, necessitating for refugees to be a ‘ready-to-go’ workforce susceptible to exploitation. This demand for readiness to serve production needs often requires them to develop stronger bonds to their workplaces and work routines, leading to weaker ties with their social networks, which in turn affects their health and wellbeing. Dr. Tefera argues that the temporal aspect needs to be considered as much as the spatial when engaging with understanding of the wider settlement challenges that refugees face. 

Tefera is an assistant professor of ethnic studies at California State University, Stanislaus. He has a Ph.D. in human heography from Monash University, an M.A. in Pan African studies from Syracuse University, and an M.A. in gender and development studies from Bahir Dar University. His research focuses on the experiences of Africans in the diaspora and contemporary international migration, forced displacement, and diaspora engagement. He has published in various journals and previously worked in policy and research settings across three continents.