Surveying the Hard-to-Survey

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of the refugee situation in Greece after the EU-Turkey agreement in March 2016 that has led to the entrapment of more than 60.000 of refugees in the country. Drawing on the empirical findings of research conducted in six refugee camps across Greece and five shelters for unaccompanied minors in Athens greater area, the chapter examines the reception and living conditions, the feelings of insecurity and loss as well as the traumatic and discriminative experiences of the refugee population. The chapter also discusses the major methodological and ethical challenges that arise from surveying highly diverse in terms of culture and language, traumatized and vulnerable people in unstable and emergency conditions.