THE PROMISE OF (UN)HAPPINESS? GENDER, LABOUR, AND MIGRATION

Abstract

This editorial preface introduces the thematic issue of Topos, inspired by the conference “The Promise of (Un)Happiness? Gender, Labour, and Migration,” held at the European Humanities University in September 2024. The volume explores the multifaceted intersections of gender, labor, and migration, with a particular focus on the experiences of women affected by war, political upheaval, and displacement, especially in Eastern Europe. The collection examines both the challenges and transformative opportunities that arise from exile and forced migration. Contributions span diverse methodologies and genres, including ethnographic studies, autoethnographies, and collaborative interviews, highlighting issues such as psychological support for refugees, professional adaptation, gender imbalances in high-tech industries, and the emotional and social dimensions of displacement. By bringing together voices from academia and activism, the issue provides a comprehensive, multidimensional perspective on the quest for happiness and fulfillment amid instability, offering scholarly insights and solidarity to those navigating migration’s complexities.