Progressing a transformative critique; from necropolitics to abolition: migrant women, and third-sector resistance to no recourse to public funds

Taha, Sophia Hayat

Abstract

This interdisciplinary thesis examines the experiences of migrant women who have ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ (NRPF). Empirical research was conducted working in partnership with a local organisation Staffordshire North & Stoke-on-Trent Citizens Advice (SNSCA), the Refugee and Asylum Team, and their Immigration Team. The empirical research is analysed through a broader theoretical framework which combines Mbembe’s theory of necropolitics and Krishnadas’ Transformative Methodology to explore how the state positions/exploits migrant women, and to analyse how this may be resisted or transformed, to progress the discourse towards abolitionist praxis. By drawing upon Krishnadas’ Transformative Methodology, this work examines how organizations such as SNSCA and the women centred, were contesting and engaging with the state to renegotiate and reclaim their rights. Combining both academic and grey sources, I situate these ideas within broader historical and political contexts to understand the context of NRPF as well as previous resistance and reforms. In doing so, this thesis considers the space between the oppression from the state and the resistance of women and third-sector organizations to show the power of transformative action. In the analysis of the women’s experiences discussed through interviews, the interviews with SNSCA workers and the processes and outcomes identified in the Keeping Women Safe cases, I aim to progress Krishnadas’ Transformative Methodology by considering how to challenge state systems through the lens of abolitionism. This thesis concludes by reflecting on potential avenues for further research and activism to challenge broader colonial migration ideologies.

Citation

Taha, S. H. (2025). Progressing a transformative critique; from necropolitics to abolition: migrant women, and third-sector resistance to no recourse to public funds. (Thesis). Keele University. https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/1280091

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Online Publication Date: Jun 26, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jun 18, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 27, 2025
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/1280091
• Award Date: 2025-06