Chapter 6: A Global Perspective on Transnational Migration
6.1 Introduction
Description of the current body of descriptive studies of transnational migration.
These studies showcase how migrants and their descendants live across multiple nation-state borders.
Observations on the disconnect between empirical studies and social theory.
Contradictory narratives about migration:
Migrants viewed as destabilizing intruders or coveted global talent.
Perception that remittances are crucial for the development of homelands.
Mainstream migration scholars often align with nation-state perspectives, focusing on:
Evidence supporting long-term trends towards integration.
Acceptance of national borders as societal boundaries necessary for citizenship and social welfare.
Some transnational migration scholars exhibit a ‘methodological nationalist’ approach:
Critics of dual nationalities and transnational ties ensure rapid assimilation of migrants, leading to the assimilation of the migrants/native divide.
6.2 Weaknesses of Migration Scholarship
Methodological Nationalism Defined:
An ideological orientation viewing social processes as contained within the borders of individual nation-states.
Assumes shared histories and values among members of nation-states.
Critique of migration theory:
Portrays migrants as threats to social solidarity, overlooking cultural divisions within nation-states.
Accepts state borders as definitive societal boundaries, perpetuating exclusion policies.
Migration theory's disconnect from broader social theory developments:
Recent theories of globalization, global networks, and critiques of methodological nationalism are not adequately integrated.
Conflicting tendencies in migration scholarship:
Celebration of remittance economies vs. viewing migrant transnationalism as short-lived and leading to eventual assimilation.
Transnational Social Fields Concept Defined:
Networks linking individuals to institutions across nation-states.
Essential for analyzing migrant experiences and the impact of various states' powers on migrants.
Critique of existing theoretical frameworks:
Insufficient examination of power relations within migration studies.
6.3 The Constraints of Current Theoretical Frameworks
Need for a Global Power Perspective on transnational migration:
Sits migration in a broader array of processes that shape state power.
Acknowledges the importance of states as agents while recognizing other institutions of power, such as NGOs and corporations.
Critique of existing migration theoretical frameworks:
Many fail to address global power dynamics behind migration, viewing migration merely as push-pull dynamics.
Global Institutions of Power Should be considered:
Economic and political institutions (e.g., US, European Union) affect who is categorized as a migrant and restrict migration from poorer nations.
Previous theories of world society fail to link nation-states and larger power structures effectively, risking a methodological nationalism.
Notions of Levels of Analysis:
Such distinctions risk failing to grasp the interconnections shaping migrant experiences.
Theoretical frameworks that prioritize state-level analysis cannot fully address global migrant dynamics.
6.4 Towards a Grounded Global Power Framework for Migration Studies
Exploration of various literatures to develop a global perspective on migration:
Highlighting transnational processes rooted in global capitalism.
Importance of neo-liberalism in transformation of labor, governance, and social relations since the 70s:
Neo-liberalism Defined: A series of economic policies emphasizing privatization and reduced state intervention leading to flexible labor markets.
Neo-liberal restructuring results in disparities and social changes globally, transforming urban life.
Global and local rescaling of cities:
Urban areas redefined in relation to their global market positioning and capital flows.
Rescaling Concept: Changes local governance in response to global markets, allowing cities to reposition themselves.
Migration and Capital:
Migration patterns reflect broader processes of capital accumulation and changes in social relations.
Call to link migration scholarship to global transformations, considering migrant remittances in relationship to local development.
6.5 Explaining Contemporary Contradictory Discourses
Need to investigate power holders in the narrative of migration:
National anti-immigrant discourses exist alongside celebratory narratives about migration's economic contributions.
Examination of neo-liberal restructuring's impact on migration policies:
Changes in national policies that emphasize productivity while vilifying migrants.
Migrant labor increasingly commodified and subjected to harsh conditions without rights to family reunification.
Overview of migration policies shaping contemporary labor markets:
Circular migration as a solution to labor shortages, emphasizing the need for flexible labor supplies.
Rising bureaucratic restrictions are leading to hyper-exploitation without recourse to permanent settlement.
6.6 Conclusions
Migrants possess varied identities and roles—ranging from laborers to urban revitalizers—within global economic contexts.
Importance of integrating transnational perspectives into migration studies:
A global power perspective situates migrants as active participants in shaping local and global processes, rather than passive recipients of policies.
Migration scholarship must address the complex interrelations of culture, capital, governance, and personal dignity:
To move beyond debates on immigration's social effects, the focus must also embrace the shared humanity and multifaceted experiences of migrants.
6.2 Weaknesses of Migration Scholarship
Methodological Nationalism Defined:
An ideological orientation viewing social processes as contained within the borders of individual nation-states.
Assumes shared histories and values among members of nation-states.
Critique of migration theory:
Portrays migrants as threats to social solidarity, overlooking cultural divisions within nation-states.
Accepts state borders as definitive societal boundaries, perpetuating exclusion policies.
6.3 The Constraints of Current Theoretical Frameworks
Need for a Global Power Perspective on transnational migration:
Sits migration in a broader array of processes that shape state power.
Acknowledges the importance of states as agents while recognizing other institutions of power, such as NGOs and corporations.
Critique of existing migration theoretical frameworks:
Many fail to address global power dynamics behind migration, viewing migration merely as push-pull dynamics.
Global Institutions of Power Should be considered:
Economic and political institutions (e.g., US, European Union) affect who is categorized as a migrant and restrict migration from poorer nations.
Previous theories of world society fail to link nation-states and larger power structures effectively, risking a methodological nationalism.
Notions of Levels of Analysis:
Such distinctions risk failing to grasp the interconnections shaping migrant experiences.
Theoretical frameworks that prioritize state-level analysis cannot fully address global migrant dynamics.