Eritreans are the third largest refugee group arriving to Europe by boat. The glaring difference in life chances, rights and privileges among Eritrean political elites and the rest of the population has triggered a ravenous desire for young Eritreans to seek better opportunities and rights in exile. This study examines the structures of domination and subordination that have emerged in post-colonial Eritrea which have shaped the social, cultural and political values within the country. Forced conscription is a systematic method to disempower and control youths. This project addresses the challenges that Eritrean refugees face when they flee their homeland. I will examine the experiences of Eritrean refugees as they journey through the Sahara Desert, Mediterranean Sea to Sweden. Using the narratives of 10 Eritrean refugees, this work will examine the role of race in social acceptance.
