Cross-border methods: the challenge of methodological nationalism and the prospects of transnational methodology

Abstract

A transnational perspective on cross-border migration and its consequences reaches far beyond the immigration countries. It encompasses all those places which are criss-crossed by the ties of persons, groups and organizations, and the social structures connecting them. Based on a wide range of knowledge generated by the transnational perspective in the field of migration, this article explores how we can study cross-border social formations and their consequences. A step towards a transnational methodology needs to address three challenges: methodological nationalism, group essentialism, and the positionality of researchers. In order to tackle these issues, this article gives an overview of methodological tools for studying transnationality and transnational social spaces. Drawing on selected examples, this overview also includes discussion of how relevant research techniques are applied.