Der Ausnahmezustand als Regel

Musikforschung im Fluchtalltag

Abstract

This article presents methodological approaches for empirical research in the context of music and forced migration. Following theories from ethnomusicology, sociology, anthropology and cultural studies, the article explores four main aspects: first, the heterogeneity of the refugees requires an understanding of the diversity of musical practices and also raises the question how definitions of legal statuses impact cultural expression. Second, the significance ofmobility highlights local connotations of music in a globalized world where cultural identities fluctuate between multidimensional reference points such as nation, ethnicity or class. Third, specific ethical challenges arise when conducting research with refugees, which demand a critical self-positioning of the researcher and robust research ethics. Finally, the absence of music in some cases in the context of forced migration can offer insights into mediality of music and its sociocultural conditions. Each aspect is supplemented with a case study from my research practice. These reflections derive from ongoing field work for my PhD dissertation since autumn 2015 about music in the context of forced migration in Berlin. Based on this experience, this article aims to give some help and guidance for future researchers and practitioners, who work in the field of music and forced migration.