The networked character of migration and transnationalism

Bilecen, Başak; Lubbers, Miranda J.

doi:10.1111/glob.12317

Cited by 38 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 143 publications

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“…Although network mechanisms and their associated vocabulary were always present in migration research, in their empirical investigations, migration scholars are often criticized as being disconnected from or a latecomer to the tools of social network analysis (Bilecen et al., 2018; Dahinden, 2016; Eve, 2010; Krissman, 2005). Nonetheless, networks are very much at the core of migration research, particularly when addressing initiation of migration, settlement, and migrants’ transnational practices, which connect a variety of countries and regions (Bilecen & Lubbers, in press). The majority of such research is concerned with integration/assimilation patterns of international migrants in the host societies (e.g., Gordon, 1964; Nee & Sanders, 2001).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Personal network analysis from an intersectional perspective: How to overcome ethnicity bias in migration research

Bilecen

2021

Global Networks

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Through qualitative personal network analysis from an intersectional perspective, this article contributes to the debate on the salience of ethnicity as a defining, yet essentialized, category in transnational migration research. The article includes a theoretical and methodological discussion of qualitative personal network analysis as a means to alleviate the risks of overemphasizing ethnicity over other categories, which provides the background to the empirical analysis. Drawing on 20 personal networks and qualitative interviews with Chinese international students who were studying in the United States, the findings of this study indicate that ethnicity, as a precursor to culture, along with gender and class, is important in friendship formations but not necessarily for job‐relevant issues. Moreover, through an intersectional personal network analysis, transnational family ties were problematized based not on their ethnicity but on gendered expectations and social norms.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Personal network analysis from an intersectional perspective: How to overcome ethnicity bias in migration research

Bilecen

2021

Global Networks

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“…Summing up, the application of social network analysis to studies of international mobility and transnationalism sheds light on the relationships that are embedded in these processes and their outcomes (Bilecen & Lubbers, 2021). Thus, we argue that, by studying the composition of personal networks that make up this corridor, paying special attention to migratory capital, and by studying social network structure to measure individuals' degree of structural embeddedness in TSFs, we can not only refine the understanding of international mobility patterns, but also contribute knowledge about the clustering of mobility levels in networks.…”

Section: Structural Embeddedness In the Tsfmentioning

confidence: 99%

Structural Embeddedness in Transnational Social Fields: Personal Networks, International (Im)Mobilities, and the Migratory Capital Paradox

Hosnedlová

Fradejas-García

Lubbers

et al. 2021

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In this article we focus on individuals’ structural embeddedness in transnational social fields (TSFs) and examine how this is related to patterns of international mobility. The main argument is that the structure of TSFs matters for (im)mobility trajectories, and thus all actors (migrants, non‐migrants, and returnees) need to be examined as a whole to obtain a deeper understanding of the role of social networks in processes of transnational mobility. Taking the case of Romanian migrants in Spain as a TSF connecting their place of origin (Dâmbovița in Romania) with their destination (Castelló in Spain), we analyze survey data for 303 migrants, non‐migrants, and returnees, sampled through an RDS‐like binational link‐tracing design. We then categorize types of personal network using an international mobility scale to assess the degree of structural embeddedness in the TSF. An important contribution is the rigorous operationalization of TSF and assessment of the level of migratory capital of each individual. Our results reveal that migratory capital is not always linked positively with high mobility patterns and that its role is strongly related to the overall composition and structure of the TSF.

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“…Migrants are often embedded in and negotiate longdistance ties of different forms of transnational relationships across countries (Bilecen & Lubbers, 2021). Among their transnational experiences and practices are relationships between family members living in the sending and receiving countries, as an existential form of familyhood over time and space (Baldassar & Merla, 2014).…”

Section: Theoretical Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Differentiated Embedding and Social Relationships Among Russian Migrant Physicians in Finland: A Narrative Socio‐Analysis

Habti

2021

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Migrants’ processes of (dis)embedding in local and transnational social networks have received growing attention in recent years, but most research focuses on low‐skilled migration. This study explores the affordances and challenges that Russian physicians, as a high‐skilled migrant group in Finland, experience in these processes in work and non‐work domains. Based on semi‐structured biographical interviews with 26 Russian physicians, the study employs Bourdieu’s socio‐analysis to analyze their narratives. The results reveal that Russian migrant physicians negotiate and experience differentiated embedding across work–life domains in local and transnational contexts. They mostly develop collegial relationships with Finnish colleagues and benefit from fulfilling professional relationships in the work domain. However, alongside time and efforts needed for building social ties, various factors often impede friendship making and socialization with locals beyond the work domain. These physicians cope with individual life circumstances through their enduring and supportive relationships with their Russian relatives and colleagues–friends. These results indicate that high‐skilled migrants have a greater opportunity to connect professionally with locals than low‐skilled migrants, but experience similar challenges to the latter in building close personal relationships.

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The networked character of migration and transnationalism

Cited by 38 publications

References 143 publications

Personal network analysis from an intersectional perspective: How to overcome ethnicity bias in migration research

Personal network analysis from an intersectional perspective: How to overcome ethnicity bias in migration research

Structural Embeddedness in Transnational Social Fields: Personal Networks, International (Im)Mobilities, and the Migratory Capital Paradox

Differentiated Embedding and Social Relationships Among Russian Migrant Physicians in Finland: A Narrative Socio‐Analysis

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