Impacts of anti-migrant policy and activism: The dynamics of hostility around small boat crossings to Dover

Abstract

Working at the interstices of critical social policy, sociology and social movement studies, this article contributes to understanding the social impact of anti-migrant mobilisation. Research on anti-migrant activism has focused to date on the sociography, action repertoire, discursive strategies and propensity for political violence of anti-migrant actors. This article considers its impact on those working in public and third sector roles supporting people arriving and/or managing community tensions. It explores the case of Dover and surrounding area as a focal point of anti-migrant activism due to the arrival of refugees via ‘small boat crossings’. Employing a relational sociological approach, the article highlights the interactional dynamic between political discourse and policy designed to create a hostile immigration environment, the reaction-seeking tactics of anti-migrant activists and the responses of local authority, police and third sector actors delivering safeguarding and welfare services to those seeking asylum.