Existential migration and not ‘being-at-home’ in the world
In his academic research, Dr. Greg Madison describes a new kind of migration that has not been recognised until now. He calls it ‘existential migration’.
Unlike economic migration, simple wanderlust, or forced migration, ‘existential migration’ is an attempt to express something fundamental about personal existence by choosing to leave one’s homeland and become a foreigner.
Common themes of existential migration include:
- The importance of trying to fulfil one’s full potential
- Freedom and independence are highly valued
- Curious about the mystery of life
- Valuing difference and the unfamiliar above being the same or staying in familiar and conventional situations
As well as the new concept of existential migration, the research proposes a novel definition of home as interaction; that the ‘feeling of home’ arises temporarily almost anywhere, at any time. This is in contrast to the usual definition of home as a familiar geographical place.
The End of Belonging presents stories of existential migration in a clear and evocative way, emphasising the poignancy of the topic. Dr Madison warns that we may be entering an age of ‘global homelessness’.
Online Zoom Sessions
Dr Greg Madison offers online Zoom sessions, seminars, and workshops to help clients and professionals explore these experiences for their own personal welfare and professional development when working with displaced peoples or migrants.
The insights gained from the concept of Existential Migration help us all think more clearly about what ‘home’ is for us.
The End of Belonging. Untold Stories of Leaving Home and the Psychology of Global Relocation
by Dr Greg Madison
Kindle and paperback version available
“It would be challenging for anyone to read this book without asking some original questions of themselves, and possibly finding some surprising answers, so for those of us interested in existential philosophy or psychotherapy, personally or professionally, it is a good read.”
- At Home in the Elsewhere (Saybrook New Existentialists series, August 2014)
- Existential Migration Magazine Article (PDF)
- Existential Migration Summary Academic Article (PDF)
- Review of Mexico City workshop (PDF)
Some publicity on Greg’s book and research is available here:
I, Greg Madison, am the author of these articles and I release the contents under the terms of GNU Free Documentation licence, Version 1.2 and later.
For more information:
Email Dr. Greg Madison