Moral economy from above and below: contesting contraction of migrant rights in austerity Britain

In 2010, Britain’s newly elected Coalition government ushered in a ‘moral mission’ of welfare reform. This paper considers its extension to the management of non-EEA migration and asylum, viewed here in the context of Fassin’s conception of moral economy and related debate. The paper argues that the ensuing policy regime can be analysed as a moral economy ‘from above’, in terms of its underlying objectives and rationale, which is then challenged and contested ‘from below’ through the intervention of civic activists. Such contestation is framed in terms of a three-pronged critique of the welfare/migration complex, based on rationality, legality and morality, and examined in three key areas of welfare-related policy change – family life, maintenance provision for asylum seekers, and support for those without status. Policy in each area is considered alongside corresponding critique and with summary comment on key points for moral economy analysis. A fourth section sets these developments in the context of an emergent system of total control, and the conclusion reflects on broader implications for our understanding and usage of the notion of moral economy

“Women go Ahead!"

As Editorial panel member and participating community group, Fanthome and Safety4Sisters were invited to create commentary labels for posters from the museum collection for “Represent! Voices 100 Years On” at the People’s History Museum (PHM). Some of the Safety4Sisters (S4S) group came to an editorial meeting to view selected artefacts, considered for the exhibition. The Poster Collective (1977): “Defend Workers' Right To Organize. Support Grunwick Strikers. Out Since 1976...” was selected, as it showed an Asian woman leading a struggle against the odds. A discussion with the larger group was of the power of women, the need to resist, how support can fail, but change has to be fought for. The PHM sought to change the poster in the exhibition, which was resisted by the S4S group, as their responses were specific to the poster now shown. The group's responses are heartfelt campaign messages, which closely relate to their own position of fighting for rights as women and migrants

“If you wear my shoes, then you'll know” (2018)

An installation made for the exhibition, “Represent! Voices 100 Years On” at the People’s History Museum, by the Safety4Sisters with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) migrant women’s group, facilitated by Lynne Fanthome. The researcher met the group to inform and discuss exhibition themes of political representation. From these workshops came the ideas that led to, “If you wear my shoes, then you’ll know” (2018): formed of their own and their children’s footwear placed on a plinth, a sound recording recounts their experiences of gendered violence, journeys of escape and struggles with immigration authorities, in the context of the hostile environment for migrants. The title and the objects call for the viewer to listen and imagine what these experiences would be like. The transcript is voiced by actress Monica Sagar to maintain anonymity, by request from some members of the group

Represent! Voices 100 Years On

On 6 February 1918, the Representation of the People Act was passed, giving most men and some women in Britain the vote. This would change the lives of many working men and women, who finally had a say over who represented them in parliament. Represent! Voices 100 Years On reflects on those who campaigned for better representation; most famously the suffragists and the militant suffragettes. The recently acquired Manchester suffragette banner will be displayed for the first time alongside sashes, brooches, photographs and cartoons, helping to paint a picture of what representation meant in 1918. This exhibition also questions how far we have really come in 100 years? It gives a platform to individuals and communities, including LGBT+ youth charity The Proud Trust and Safety4Sisters, who are still fighting to make their voices heard today. Crowdsourced items, including placards from the 2017 Women’s Marches and a jumpsuit from the Sisters Uncut 2018 BAFTA protest, tell the very personal stories of today’s movements and campaigns. Represent! Voices 100 Years On takes its inspiration from feminist zines and has been designed in collaboration with Riposte magazine