The role of credibility in refuge. A feminist anthropological perspective

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: This article aims to critically analyze the correlation between asylum and gender relations, emphasizing the pivotal role of credibility in the narratives of asylum seekers. It narrows its focus to a feminist and gender anthropological perspective. Methodology: To achieve this, an ethnographic methodology was employed in Madrid from 2015 to 2023 through the application of ethnographic techniques, such as in-depth interviews, participant observation, active accompaniment, and analysis of legal and administrative documentation. Results: The research reveals that prejudices and patriarchal structures influence the perceived credibility of women's narratives, which can lead to additional barriers in their access to international protection. The interpretation of their testimonies is significantly affected by gender stereotypes and power dynamics. Conclusions and Originality: It highlights the importance of incorporating gender analysis into the refugee and asylum field, proposing a shift in the way displaced women's experiences are approached and assessed. It makes an original contribution to understanding how patriarchal structures affect refugee adjudication processes, urging a re-evaluation of current policies to ensure fairer and more equal protection.