Refugee studies often focus on the devastating effects forced migration can have on a refugee population, both mentally and physically. This research investigates the case of Saharawis living in refugee camps in south-west Algeria and the social change experienced over 30 years. The method was a case study with qualitative interviews supported with secondary data. The Saharawis went through a period of positive social change, to some a revolution, while living in the refugee camps. The empirical study identifies three theme areas; Education, Women??s rights and Democracy. These circumstances are unlike many other refugee studies, thus providing what may be a unique case of positive social change. The case demonstrates how forced migration of a population may not just be a destructive process, but instead has the potential to reconstruct a society. Theories of social change and unanticipated outcomes are explored. Utilising the theories of Bourdieu and Merton, it is proposed that the Saharawi refugee experience is the unanticipated outcome of forced migration. This thesis explores commonalities and differences between Bourdieu??s study of the Kabyle population, and whether his theory of habitus is applicable. Bourdieu??s theories, heavily criticised for being too structuralist, show their limitations when dealing with positive social change. Bourdieu??s approach can suggest that it is inevitable for refugee populations to spiral into despair. The Saharawi case challenges these presumptions and highlights that neither sociologists nor populations should exclude the possibility of unexpected outcomes. Unanticipated outcomes are an acknowledgement of social change and the fact that at its heart no one can predict the future.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Tufts University, 2001. / Adviser: Kevin Dunn. Submitted to the Dept. of English. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 248-292). Access restricted to members of the Tufts University community. Also available via the World Wide Web;

Thesis (PhD) -- McMaster University, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 245-264). Also available via World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.A.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of English, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 114-119).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Delaware, 2007. / Principal faculty advisor: Margaret Andersen, Dept. of Sociology. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (B.A. (Hons.))--University of Adelaide, Dept. of English, 2001. / Bibliography: p. 63-66.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 200-210). Also available in electronic version.

Thesis (Ph.D.) - Carleton University, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 165-177). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego, 1998. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 227-245).

Thesis (M.A.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1990. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 133-142). Also available via the Internet.