Eighteen years ago, mobility in eastern and central Europe beyond national frontiers was rare. After the fall of the Berlin wall the migration from East to West was a significant trend in international patterns and mobility.
The relation between Eastern and Western Europe has been determined by the intensification of a variety of political, economic, and cultural exchanges between East and West. It is this human mobility, the transnational migration, its physical, cultural, political, subjective and conceptual form of movement, which play a central
role in these exchanges. We are living now in a world which is organised along multiple axes of mobility, circulation, flows of people and commodities.
The number of the migrants and especially that of women migrants has marked an increase in the recent years. The movement of people across Europe is changing the landscape of the continent. The migrants are becoming active subjects to their own
social life as well as to legal and political regulation amongst others.
Although the majority of the migrants are born in East Europe they are part of the European identity and they are taking responsibility for this transnational space of mediation and exchange called Europe.
Apart from countries and cultures there are also spaces of social interaction that determine the establishment of relationships. The transition from state socialism to capitalism has had a huge impact on the lives and the position of the women in Eastern European societies. This political change has been accompanied by the
intensification of multi-level communication between the European East and the West.
Table of Contents
1- Mobility, gender and relationships
2- The background of the women migrants from the Eastern Europe
3- First impressions and experiences in the receiving countries
4- Multiple belonging in comparison to fatherland.
5 – Migration and communication
6 - The migration of the Albanian women
7-Conclusio
Objectives and Themes
This work examines the phenomenon of female migration from Eastern Europe to Western Europe, analyzing the underlying motivations, social integration processes, and the challenges faced by these women in their new environments. It explores how migration intersects with gender roles, personal identity, and the complex concept of "belonging" in a transnational context.
- The impact of political and economic transitions on female migration patterns.
- The role of personal relationships, social networks, and family formation as migration drivers.
- Experiences of cultural adjustment, identity formation, and "multiple belonging."
- Barriers to communication, social inclusion, and the specific challenges faced by migrant women.
- A detailed case study on the migration trends of Albanian women.
Excerpt from the Book
1- Mobility, gender and relationships
Eighteen years ago, mobility in eastern and central Europe beyond national frontiers was rare. After the fall of the Berlin wall the migration from East to West was a significant trend in international patterns and mobility.
The relation between Eastern and Western Europe has been determined by the intensification of a variety of political, economic, and cultural exchanges between East and West. It is this human mobility, the transnational migration, its physical, cultural, political, subjective and conceptual form of movement, which play a central role in these exchanges. We are living now in a world which is organised along multiple axes of mobility, circulation, flows of people and commodities.
The number of the migrants and especially that of women migrants has marked an increase in the recent years. The movement of people across Europe is changing the landscape of the continent. The migrants are becoming active subjects to their own social life as well as to legal and political regulation amongst others.
Summary of Chapters
1- Mobility, gender and relationships: Discusses the rise of East-West migration after the fall of the Berlin Wall and how human mobility has become a central aspect of European social life.
2- The background of the women migrants from the Eastern Europe: Examines the socio-political situation of women in post-socialist Eastern Europe and the various factors driving their decision to migrate.
3- First impressions and experiences in the receiving countries: Explores the initial emotional and practical experiences of migrant women upon crossing borders and their first encounters with foreign cultures.
4- Multiple belonging in comparison to fatherland.: Analyzes the dual or multiple sense of identity migrant women develop between their home and host countries.
5 – Migration and communication: Addresses the challenges of social integration and the obstacles migrant women face in establishing communication and friendships in the West.
6 - The migration of the Albanian women: Provides a focused look at the specific history and patterns of Albanian female migration, noting its shift from male-dominated to a more independent movement.
7-Conclusio: Summarizes how migrant women have become key actors in intercultural exchange despite lingering challenges regarding social equality and prejudice.
Keywords
Migration, Women migrants, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Mobility, Gender, Transnationalism, Social integration, Identity, Belonging, Labour market, Communication, Albania, Female agency, Social networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The paper focuses on the dynamics of female migration from Eastern to Western Europe, analyzing the sociological and personal aspects of this contemporary phenomenon.
What are the primary themes discussed in the text?
Central themes include the impact of political change on migration, the role of gender in family and career decisions, the integration process in host societies, and the psychological concept of multiple belonging.
What is the main research question or objective?
The objective is to understand how migrant women navigate their lives in the context of mobility, specifically how they manage relationships, work, and identity across national borders.
What scientific approach or methodology is used?
The work employs a qualitative analytical approach, utilizing existing sociological literature, statistical data, and ethnographic observations to examine the lived experiences of migrant women.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the political background of Eastern Europe, the motivations for migration, the challenges of crossing borders, the development of new social networks, and the integration of these women into the labor market.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include migration, gender, Eastern Europe, transnationalism, integration, and social networks.
How does the author define the "border-place" for migrant women?
It is defined as an "in-between" space that leaves a deep impression on the migrant, serving as a gateway between the known past and the unknown future in the host country.
What specific findings are presented regarding Albanian women?
The text highlights that Albanian female migration, initially restricted by cultural taboos, has shifted significantly, with women becoming independent agents of migration who often prioritize keeping their families together.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Mirela Shira (Autor:in), 2008, Women migrants in Western Europe, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/201641
