Transnationalism for Migration Studies: A Critical Review and Analysis

Brownee, Russell (2006): Transnationalism for Migration Studies: A Critical Review and Analysis. Published in: Pacific Transnationalism , Vol. 22, No. 1 (2006): pp. 76-88.

Abstract

This study sets out a case for the adoption of a transnationalism paradigm for the study of migration. The scripture of transnationalism research is reviewed, along with key discontents, and recent trends in the field. This paper are introduced four definitions of transnationalism such as activities, relations, social fields and subjectivity. In addition, there are five identifiable critiques of the transnationalism concept explored. These critiques involve some very sound definitional observations on how transnational activities and relations are not so novel. Transnationalism retains its greatest possibility as a new conceptual approach, which can trouble traditional understandings of unidirectional movement and the expectation of assimilation. As a paradigm, transnationalism facilitates a holistic examination of the forms of mobility and communication. It also facilitates stronger theoretical attention to the relation between movement and identity. Some of the gaps of the emergent field are identified, and ways forward suggested.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: transnationalism, migration, paradigm, activities, relations, social fields, subjectivity
• Subjects: D - Microeconomics > D0 - General; J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J6 - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers; J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J6 - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers > J61 - Geographic Labor Mobility ; Immigrant Workers; J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J8 - Labor Standards: National and International

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