Affectivity, embodied knowledge and reflexivity in creative biographical research on migration in the Mediterranean context

The biographical and reflexive turn in migration studies has challenged unidimensional and stereotyped representations of migrants and refugees’ stories and subjectivities by bringing into focus their often-marginalized voice, agency, and individual experiences. Moreover, the inclusion of verbal, visual, and embodied information has led to research strategies that might uncover hidden, silenced, and emotionally charged feelings and experiences related to migration. Through the analysis of the unexpected complexity and ambivalence of the outcomes of three workshops held in Italy involving migrants, refugees, and social workers, this article addresses the potential of creative biographical research, i.e. a method that combines biographical tools, participatory strategies, creative and art-based techniques. When strengthened by a reflexive sensibility conceived as an embedded, embodied, and relational practice, this methodology may prove crucial in enhancing our critical exploration of events within specific research contexts and in promoting more rigorous data collection and ethical presence in our research sites.