Paper Short Abstract:

Building on the well-established view of magic as a distinctive form of knowledge characterized by deeply felt emotional relationships and experimental modes of association and connectedness, it is argued that magic’s capacity to foster spiritual connectivity and "conjure up" desired psychological outcomes makes it an especially apt lens for analyzing migrant home-making.

Paper Abstract:

This presentation explores the applicability of the concept of magic in analyzing the extensive ethnographic material collected during the NordForsk MaHoMe project (2020–2024). Building on the well-established view of magic as a distinctive form of knowledge whose key characteristics are deeply felt emotional relationships and experimental modes of association and connectedness, it is argued that this ability of magic to evoke a sense of spiritual connectivity and 'conjure up' desired psychological outcomes makes magic a particularly apt lens for analyzing migrant home-making.

Within this framework, the blueprints of magical rites can serve to establish and reinforce a "network of connectivity" for migrants, especially those facing involuntary displacement. These individuals often engage in deliberate efforts to reconstruct their life-worlds and facilitate the process of home-making.

The presentation further examines the epistemological and methodological implications of “magical home-making” and highlights specific examples of “magical” connectivity as observed in migrant home-making practices.