Transnational migration and the creation of transnational social spaces is not a new phenomenon as such. It has existed long time before it has become a fashionable desired study subject. However, when globalization took off in the 1980s, transnational ties have changed quantitatively as well as qualitatively, and thus the topic has gained in importance. Various revolutionary technical innovations facilitated to maintain transnational contact between country of origin and the new destination on an instantaneous basis. Currently hence, such ties can be as intense as ever.
The new thing about transnational migration is rather – in compliance with Glick Schiller – that scholars provided the social sciences “with a vocabulary and a framework to analyze the way in which migrants and their descendants participate in familial, social, economic, religious, political, and cultural processes that extend across the borders of nation-states” enabling scholars to “conceptualize simultaneity, the ways in which individuals settle into a new locality and also maintain various kinds of social relationships that extend into other nation-states (2006, p. 8).
Table of Contents
1. Transnational Migration
2. Transnational migration and transnational social spaces
3. Transnational migration before the 1980s
3.1 Example: Chinese guanxi
4. Transnational migration since the 1980s
4.1 Example Lebanon – Remittances and Investment
5. Conclusion
Research Objective and Topics
This paper investigates whether transnational migration and the formation of transnational social spaces represent a fundamentally new phenomenon or a long-standing practice, specifically analyzing the impact of globalization as a catalyst for these developments.
- The theoretical definition and categorization of transnational social spaces.
- Historical perspectives on transnational migration prior to the 1980s.
- The influence of globalization and technological advancement since the 1980s.
- Case studies on Chinese 'guanxi' and Lebanese remittances as practical examples.
Excerpt from the Book
Transnational migration and transnational social spaces
To put it in a nutshell, transnational migration implies that people are moving back and forth between their country of origin and the country of destination. In a way, these migrants remain connected to their native state by maintaining relationships and networks with friends and family, thus creating transnational identities. Out of it result various activities between here and there, leading to the formation of so called transnational social spaces, summarized by Faist as “sustained ties of geographically mobile persons, networks and organizations across borders across multiple nation-states” (2006, p. 3). These networks “link cultural practices, economic activities and living conditions in the regions of origin and arrival and foster migration dynamics”, underlining that “migration is increasingly a kind of continuous coming and going” with many migrants changing their place of residency sometimes even several times in their lives (Kohlmorgen 2005, p. 1). It also implicates that migrants may sooner or later move back to their countries of origin.
Faist points out that such transnational links can exist within the subsequent four types of transnational social spaces (2006, p. 3):
1. Small groups (households, families)
2. Issue networks (regarding a certain topic like e.g. human rights)
3. Transnational communities (like religious groups, diasporas etc.)
4. Transnational organisations (NGOs and transnational enterprises)
However and last but not least, one should not forget that the term transnational is a contested one, which implies that a hundred per cent clarity on the meaning doesn’t yet exist among scholars due to an abundance of existing different understandings (Kohlmorgen 2005, p. 1).
Summary of Chapters
1. Transnational Migration: Introduces the research question regarding the novelty of transnational migration and outlines the historical context of globalization.
2. Transnational migration and transnational social spaces: Defines the core concepts of transnational migration and identifies four distinct types of transnational social spaces.
3. Transnational migration before the 1980s: Discusses historical evidence of transnational connections and network theory, supported by the example of Chinese guanxi.
4. Transnational migration since the 1980s: Analyzes the quantitative and qualitative changes in migration driven by globalization and the case study of Lebanese remittances.
5. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, confirming that while the phenomenon is not new, the academic framework and intensity of transnational ties have evolved significantly.
Keywords
Transnational migration, globalization, transnational social spaces, network theory, diaspora, remittances, guanxi, transnational identity, migration dynamics, international labor, cross-border, social networks, migration studies, cultural practices, economic integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines whether transnational migration is a modern phenomenon or an established practice that has simply evolved in intensity and visibility.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The central themes include the impact of globalization, the formation of transnational social spaces, the role of communication technology, and the maintenance of economic and social ties between home and host countries.
What is the main research question?
The primary research question is: "Is transnational migration a new phenomenon?"
Which scientific method is employed?
The author utilizes a literature analysis, evaluating migration theories and integrating academic concepts with empirical case studies.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the theoretical definition of transnational social spaces, a historical review of migration before the 1980s, the role of globalization since the 1980s, and specific case examples from China and Lebanon.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include transnational migration, globalization, social spaces, remittances, and diasporic networks.
How does the author define 'guanxi' in the context of migration?
Guanxi is described as a friendship-communal network dating back to hometown ties in China, which facilitates economic integration and connectivity for Chinese migrants worldwide.
What role do remittances play according to the Lebanon case study?
Remittances act as a critical link, providing financial support to families, funding emergency reconstruction, and enabling real estate investments, thereby embedding migrants in both their host and origin countries.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Natalie Züfle (Autor:in), 2008, Is transnational migration a new phenomenon?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/180092
