What is the Invisibility Bargain? 

Reflections on migration, peace culture, and community participation

In many contexts, migrants live under an unwritten agreement known as the invisibility bargain. This term, developed by Jeff Pugh in his book The Invisibility Bargain (2021), describes a reality in which migrants are expected to remain invisible—both socially and politically—as a “condition” for being tolerated by the host community.

Social and Political Invisibility: What Are We Talking About?

Social invisibility means migrants avoid expressing their customs, language, beliefs, or cultural identity out of fear of rejection or discrimination. Political invisibility, on the other hand, refers to feeling limited when it comes to demanding rights, participating in public decisions, or integrating into democratic processes.

In some parts of society, the idea persists that migrants are acceptable only if they “don’t make noise,” if they don’t make demands, if they don’t stand out. This vision reduces their presence to a kind of “conditional tolerance,” denying them dignity and their right to be seen and heard.

What Can We Do About This Reality?

At Ayúdate, we believe in a different vision: one in which all people, regardless of their country of origin, can fully exercise their rights. One where being visible is not a risk, but an opportunity for dialogue and transformation.

This is where peace culture comes into play. Promoting a culture of peace is not just about nonviolence; it’s about building spaces where cultural diversity is valued, where intercultural dialogue becomes a tool for coexistence, and where all voices are heard — especially those that have historically been silenced.

The Role of Social Organizations

Civil society organizations and international networks play a key role in helping migrants raise their voices. These entities act as bridges between migrants and the state, facilitating access to services, protecting rights, and encouraging civic participation.

Through these collective efforts, new narratives are developed, moving away from fear and exclusion and instead embracing understanding, empathy, and solidarity.

Towards a More Human Coexistence

Promoting a culture of peace also means fostering practices of mediation and conflict resolution, where differences are not seen as threats but as opportunities for dialogue and cooperation. As the expert Johan Galtung said, it’s about seeking “the common good,” replacing hostility with relationships based on respect and fraternity.

At Ayúdate, we work toward a community where we can all be visible, contribute from our identity, and, together, help build a more just, compassionate, and humane society.

Bibliography

• Pugh, Jeff (2021). The Invisibility Bargain: Governance Networks and Migrant Human Security. Oxford University Press.
  
• Demmers, Jolle (2017). Theories of Violent Conflict: An Introduction. Routledge.
  
• Pérez, A. (2015). “Mediación para la paz. Enfoques desde la práctica”. In Cultura de paz y gestión del conflicto. Editorial Complutense.
  
• Fisas, Vicenç (1998). Educación para la Paz. Icaria Editorial.
• Galtung, J. (2000), Conflict transformation by peaceful means (the Transcend method). United Nations.