Lifestyle Migration and the British in France

Abstract

This chapter explores relevant literature relating to lifestyle migration, beginning with a consideration of the concept itself. It reviews how existing studies draw on the concept of discourse in relation to identity, with consideration of lifestyle migration as an individual narrative. Arguments relating to processes of intra-group distinction and the continuing influence of embodied class culture are considered. The relevance of social theory to the study, particularly practice theory, is made clear (O’Reilly, International migration and social theory. Palgrave Macmillan: Basingstoke, 2012), including the structure-agency duality and the concept of habitus. The chapter advances an argument that a focus on interaction will give insights into more dynamic and situated aspects of identity because a discourse analytic approach that examines how certain representations are achieved will further understanding of the processes of migrant identity construction.