Kopräsenz denken! Ein Ansatz für die interdisziplinäre Fluchtforschung

Abstract

A multitude of migratory movements has shaped and continues to shape societies. However, migration is not a linear process leading to a superficial ‘integration’ or homogeneous assimilation of the ‘other’. This is already addressed by analytical concepts of ‘diversity’, ‘plurality’ and ‘heterogeneity’, yet these concepts still focus on a static status of a society. To better highlight the dynamic interaction, overlaps and changes within societies in interdisciplinary research, we propose an analytical concept of ‘co-presence’ to accentuate the simultaneity of disruptions, of processes and of their interrelation. We distinguish five dimensions of ‘co-presence’: beyond temporal and spatial co-presence, we suggest differentiating societal, subjective and material dimensions of ‘co-presence’. Using the example of forced migration, we apply the concept of ‘co-presence’ and examine its potential use in and for the disciplines of literary studies, theater studies, geography, law, and media culture studies.