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Constructions of 'the ageless' asylum seekers: An analysis of how age is understood among professionals working within the norwegian immigration authorities.

Authors :
Sørsveen, Aurora T.
Ursin, Marit
Source :
Children & Society; Mar2021, Vol. 35 Issue 2, p198-212, 15p
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

This article explores how professionals within the Norwegian immigration authorities conceptualise age when doing non‐medical age assessments. By using social constructivism, which challenges an ethnocentric quantifying understanding of age, we delve into how socially constructed perceptions of childhood and adulthood manifest in assessment practices and the implications of these. By examining how applicants' physical appearance, body language and life experience are used as an assessment basis, we argue that the ways age is conceptualised relate to Western ideas and ideals while overlooking other social and cultural backgrounds in which age is embedded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
09510605
Volume :
35
Issue :
2
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Children & Society
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
148723920
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/chso.12415