Migrating and Settling in a Mobile World

Abstract

This series is the official book series of IMISCOE, the largest network of excellence on migration and diversity in the world. It comprises publications which present empirical and theoretical research on different aspects of international migration. The authors are all specialists, and the publications a rich source of information for researchers and others involved in international migration studies.The series is published under the editorial supervision of the IMISCOE Editorial Committee which includes leading scholars from all over Europe. The series, which contains more than eighty titles already, is internationally peer reviewed which ensures that the book published in this series continue to present excellent academic standards and scholarly quality. Most of the books are available open access.For information on how to submit a book proposal, please visit: http://www. imiscoe.org/publications/how-to-submit-a-book-proposal. Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited. All commercial rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, re-use of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other way, and storage in data banks. Duplication of this publication or parts thereof is permitted only under the provisions of the Copyright Law of the Publisher's location, in its current version, and permission for commercial use must always be obtained from Springer. Permissions for commercial use may be obtained through RightsLink at the Copyright Clearance Center. Violations are liable to prosecution under the respective Copyright Law. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. While the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication, neither the authors nor the editors nor the publisher can accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may be made. The publisher makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein.Printed on acid-free paper PrefaceComparative research on migration is a growing trend in academia. Yet very few studies that compare migrants and their descendants across different sites exist. Study of the integration of the children of migrants-the so-called 'second-generation'-is itself a recent trend in social science research and migration literature. Their integration is thought to be an important indicator of the degree of integration of immigrants into a specific society. This book offers an in-depth, qualitative analysis of the integration of Albanian migrants and their descendants in Europe. It is also the first full-l...

Making other dreams: The impact of migration on the psychosocial wellbeing of Albanian-origin children and young people upon their families’ return to Albania

“…While preparation prior to return (Bhugra, 2004; Cassarino, 2004; Gmelch, 1980) plays an important role in reducing the negative psychosocial consequences, it appears that the return of migrants and their children who have tended towards assimilation into the host country’s culture is bound to have psychosocial consequences for the minor returnees. A general lack of identification with the Albanian culture prior to relocation to Albania (Vathi, 2015) is another contrasting feature with previous research (e.g. Ní Laoire et al, 2011 researched children aged 3–18 years old who relocated to Ireland, emphasising the strong sense of being Irish while reporting no psychological consequences).…”

“…Such age-specific changes have implications for socialisation; as mentioned above, confrontations with peers are an important phenomenon of the early stage of adaptation of the participants, and as a factor that affects their psychosocial wellbeing. Although the experience of being singled out is not exclusive to the Albanian-origin children (Christou, 2006; Ní Laoire, 2011b), the discrimination that Albanian migrants and their children experienced in the receiving countries (Vathi, 2015) makes their return experience a ‘double racism’ story – ‘racism there, and racism here’, as some participants put it, referring to instances of perceived racism in both Greece and Albania.…”

“…Lack of language skills appears as an important stressor impacting upon children’s ability to function in a new environment. The legacy of a strong drive towards assimilation into Greek society from the side of Albanian migrants, who often did not transmit the Albanian language to their children (Vathi, 2015), plays out in the context of return and reintegration of the families in their country of origin. This helplessness and apprehension because of lacking language skills is reinforced by the reaction of peers and teachers; although not all participants had negative experiences in these settings, the overwhelming majority encountered similar reactions – as described by Elisa (female, 17, Korça) below:[In the beginning] I used to feel so bad because children would laugh at me; they would surround me and instead of asking me questions, such as ‘How do you feel about being here?’, ‘How are you?’ and so on, they would say: ‘What were you thinking, why did you come back?’, ‘Go back to where you came from’, and would swear at me.…”

Onward Migration Aspirations and Transnational Practices of Migrant Construction Workers Amidst Economic Crisis: Exploring New Opportunities and Facing Barriers

“…The following sayings were frequent in their narratives: 'Our children are happy here; they were born here, they have their friends, and they wouldn't like to go anywhere else'. Similarly, Vathi (2015) suggested that children's attachment to the host society, and in particular identification with the locality, hindered parents' return plans.…”

Parenting among Settled Migrants from Southern Africa: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

“…Settlement is commonly linked to negotiation of social capital means, such as employment, often surrounded by perceived racism and discrimination, cultural adaptation, and integration factors (Alemi & Stempel, 2018;Nannestad et al, 2013;Renzaho et al, 2011;Vathi, 2015). The differences and subjectivity in the context of their experiences may have an impact on how they ensure that their children have the best possible health outcomes.…”