Uniquely informed by a sociological perspective, this major new textbook introduces the underlying origins and consequences of international migration, placing individuals within a broader social, cultural and historical context.
This comprehensive introduction analyses international migration and its effects on those who migrate, their families, and their places of origin and destination. Drawing on illustrative examples from around the world, the book covers the major theories concerning the origins of international migration and the manner, degree and consequences of migrants’ incorporation into the societies to which they move. It also includes in-depth discussion of how international migration is relevant to key issues – gender, the family, and religion; the so-called refugee ‘crisis’ in much of the developed world; and offers insights throughout into cutting-edge research from emotions and lifestyle migration to the proliferation of digital communication technologies.
This text expertly offers students the necessary skills to unpack common myths that are used to inform policy and media discourse, including abstract distinctions between ‘refugee’ and ‘economic migrant’, the complex and ambiguous nature of migrant national identity, and that while many richer countries of the world are characterized by a perceived refugee ‘crisis’, it is in fact poorer and developing countries that see the vast majority of the world’s refugees and displaced persons.
Author(s): Ross Bond
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 239
City: Cham
Preface
Acknowledgements
Contents
List of Figures
List of Tables
Chapter 1: Introduction
Defining, Categorising and Describing International Migration
Why Is International Migration an Important Topic for Sociological Study?
International Migration in Historical Context
Historic Migration and Contemporary Diasporas
Migration and Colonialism
Slavery and Migration for Indentured Labour
Which Features of Contemporary International Migration Are More Novel?
Migration, Nations and Borders
Globalisation and Migration
The Contemporary Migrant Labour Market
The Feminisation of International Migration?
The Declining Significance of Distance
Outline of This Book
References
Chapter 2: Understanding the Origins of International Migration
The Macro Level
Migration Policies
Global Inequalities and Development
(Post-)Colonial Relationships
The Micro Level
Economic Perspectives
The Aspirations/Ability Model
Capital and Habitus
The Meso Level
Social Networks and the Perpetuation of Migration
‘Cultures’ of Migration
Limits to the Self-perpetuation of Migration
Conclusion: Understanding Migration via the Interaction of Structure and Agency
References
Chapter 3: Understanding Migrant Incorporation: Assimilation and Multiculturalism
Assimilation: Origins, Development and Critique
Rethinking Assimilation
Inter-group and Intra-group Differences
Relational Assimilation: How Immigration Changes the ‘Established’ Population
Multiculturalism
Comparing Multiculturalism and Assimilation
The Lived Experience of Multiculturalism
Conclusion
References
Chapter 4: Migrants’ Associations with Their ‘Homelands’: Transnationalism, Diaspora and Development
Transnationalism
Social
Economic
Cultural
Political
Critiques and Limitations of Transnationalism
Diaspora
Sub-categorising Diaspora
Critiques and Limitations of Diaspora
Development
Social Remittances
Critical Perspectives on the Migration-Development Nexus
Conclusion
References
Chapter 5: Gender and Migration
How Does Gender Ideology Affect Women’s Migration Relative to Men’s?
How Are Gender Relations Affected by Migration?
In What Ways and Why Is the Impact of Migration on Gender Relations Limited?
References
Chapter 6: Migration and the Family
How Might the Family Both Influence and Be Influenced by Migration?
Children and Migration
Transnational Families
Transnational Caregiving
Conclusion
References
Chapter 7: Religion and Migration
Religion and Migrant Incorporation
Religion as a ‘Bridge’ to Migrant Incorporation?: The USA
Religion as a ‘Barrier’ to Migrant Incorporation?: Europe
Religion as a ‘Bridge’ and ‘Barrier’ to Migrant Incorporation?
Transnational Religious Practices and Structures
References
Chapter 8: Forced Migration, Refugees and Displacement
What Is ‘Forced’ Migration? Sub-categories and Statistical Context
Climate-Related Migration
Troubling the Distinction Between ‘Forced’ and ‘Economic’ Migration
Critically Analysing the Refugee ‘Label’
Relating ‘Forced’ Migration to Other Themes in the Book
References
Chapter 9: Emerging Themes in International Migration
Lifestyle Migration
Lifestyle Migration in Social and Historical Context
Lifestyle Migration and Social Inequalities
Sub-Categories of Lifestyle Migration
Privilege and ‘Race’
Locating Lifestyle Migration in the Broader Context of International Migration
Emotions and Migration
The Significance of Emotions Pre- and Post-Migration
Emotions and Transnational Families
New Communication Technology and Media
The Significance of ICTs and Related Media Pre- and Post-Migration
New Media and Diasporas
ICTs, Transnational Families and Emotions
Conclusion
References
Chapter 10: Conclusions
Inequalities
Multiplicity
Multidimensional
Multilocational
Multidirectional
A Critical Perspective
References
Index
