Understanding European Emigration in the Context of Modernization Processes

Abstract

Based on the results of a qualitative study, this article deals with the biographies of Austrians who emigrated to the US after 1965. While, in terms of quantity, the most significant waves of immigration into Western Europe have been studied extensively during the past few years, external migration has been given comparatively little consideration. A closer look at the sociological contributions that deal with this phenomenon also shows that the existing research is only helpful to a certain extent: emigration from Western European countries is mainly discussed on the basis of very few groups of people and is ultimately categorized as being `diversified' and `individualized'. In this article, it is suggested that emigration from Western Europe should be understood as one possible course of action shaped by the conditions of a second modernity. Therefore, it is oriented more closely towards the goal of self-realization — quite in contrast to such well-known forms of migration as labour-related migration or forced migration into the European Union.

At the leading edge – does gender still matter? A qualitative study of prevailing obstacles and successful coping strategies in academia

“…This method aims chiefly at working through the main topics that the cases have in common (Witzel, 2000). The initial results of the theory-generating interpretive step (with topic or biography-oriented ideas for evaluation) are case-specific core topics which are condensed into a concise statement while combining original passages, paraphrases and analytical predications (Scheibelhofer, 2009;Witzel, 2000). Therefore, I emphasized text-based as well as theory-based coding.…”

Shifting migration aspirations in second modernity

“…Here, it was found that besides action orientation towards self-realisation, orientations towards personal realms such as family, career and work life were highly important. In many actual cases, these action orientations also overlapped in differing ways (Scheibelhofer 2009). 5.…”

“…In migration studies, Glick Schiller and Çağlar have shown how migration is embedded in multi-scalar conditions of cities that are smaller in scale and face difficult economic situations. They also emphasise how migrants are involved in the rescaling of cities (see Çağlar 2013;Çağlar and Glick Schiller 2015;Glick Schiller and Çağlar 2008, 2009, 2011Glick Schiller and Çağlar 2016;Glick Schiller, Çağlar, and Guldbransen 2006). Introducing multi-scalar approaches into migration research is an on-going effort, and the conceptualisations of scaling vary significantly (Silvey 2004;Williamson 2015;Xiang 2013).…”

Should I Stay or Should I Go? An Analysis of the Determinants of Intra‐European Student Mobility

“…Typologies of migration rarely address current phenomena of migration within Europe (except for East‐West migration), and if they do, only a few groups are mentioned – such as diplomats, professionals, or scientists (Scheibelhofer, ). One of the groups of intra‐European migrants that have long been ignored in migration studies are international students.…”