Migrants In London Research Articles

Colombian-Spanish Migrants in London since the Great Recession

This article discusses the (dis)integration processes of Colombian-Spanish migrants arriving in London since the 2008 economic crisis, as the background to understand their political attitudes and participation. It is based on data from qualitative quantitative fieldwork, complemented with statistical and bibliographical sources. From a transnational perspective that takes into account the home country and more than one destination, the results indicate that the context of the Great Recession in Spain and Brexit in the United Kingdom have had diverse impacts in migrants’ integration processes, which are appreciable in their remigration trajectories, work and social experiences, but also in their political interests, participation and ideologies. From this data, we confirm the need to interpret migrants’ complex mobilities and their political participation based on a broader conception of integration processes, which includes their multidimensional character and reversible condition, and reflects the growing diversity of (im)mobile political experiences in contexts of crises.

Exploring gendered differences among polish migrants in the UK in problematic drinking and pathways into and through alcohol treatment

Few studies have focused on the gendered differences amongst Polish migrants in their use of alcohol or access to treatment services. This study explored the divergent pathways through alcohol use, misuse and treatment access in a group of Polish migrants in London. Using an intersectionality framework we examine the ways that social attitudes toward gender in both communities and access to services related to migrant status and class are experienced. With a view to informing treatment services we discuss how a better understanding of these pathways, and the factors likely to influence them, can be used to address challenges experienced by Polish migrant women with problematic alcohol use.

"Our Generation…" Aspiration, Desire, and Generation as Discourse Among Highly Educated, Portuguese, Post-austerity Migrants in London.

Drawing on 18 months of multi-sited ethnographic fieldwork, this paper brings into dialogue empirical material from young, highly educated Portuguese migrants in London, theoretical work on desire in migration studies and sociological approaches to theorising aspirations. The paper argues that young migrants’ narratives of migration shed important light on the working of aspirations in the processes of becoming through migration. Such orientations towards the future are shaped by young migrants’ engagements with doxic and habituated logics producing aspirations. The analytical lens of desire illuminates the role of discursive self-positioning, emotions, and the embodiment of lived experiences of migration in the enacting of particular migrant subjectivities and associated aspirations. In a context in which competing discourses of generation constitute important registers of meaning about migration and aspirations, mobilising generation discourses is a key temporal practice in young migrants’ constructions of narratives of migration.

Career capital in global versus second-order cities: Skilled migrants in London and Newcastle

This study explores the impact of city-specific factors on skilled migrants’ career capital within the intelligent career framework. It compares global and secondary cities as distinct career landscapes and examines how differently they shape development and utilisation of three ways of knowing (knowing-how, knowing-whom and knowing-why). Findings from 82 qualitative interviews with skilled migrants in global (London) and secondary (Newcastle) UK cities explain the importance of cities at an analytical level, as skilled migrants’ careers were differently constrained and enabled by three groups of city-specific factors: labour market, community and lifestyle. By exploring the two types of cities in career context, this article contributes to developing an interdisciplinary dialogue and problematises careers as a relational and contextually embedded phenomenon. Limitations and recommendations are discussed.

Recent trends in intra-EU mobilities: the articulation between migration, social protection, gender and citizenship systems

ABSTRACT Recent intra-European mobilities can be analysed from the perspective of transformations in the European migration system, especially following the 2008 Great Recession, which requires moving beyond portrayals of such flows as problem-free mobilities resembling “liquid migration”. These include renewed “(semi)periphery–core” movements involving both natives and naturalized migrants that interlink with other migration systems reaching beyond Europe and produce more complex mobilities. Analysis of these mobilities need to consider as well the connections with changes in social protection, gender and citizenship systems, and their intersection with other factors such as class, age, race and ethnicity. The articles in this Special Issue do so by focusing on a variety of cases that encompass quantitative analysis of demographic data for Portugal and Spain as well as qualitative studies of the experiences of recent Spanish, Latin American and Romanian migrants in London, Paris and Brussels, thus providing new insights into current intra-EU mobilities.

Physical Inactivity among Ghanaians in Ghana and Ghanaian Migrants in Europe.

There is a paucity of data on physical activity (PA) among migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, yet physical inactivity is a key risk factor for noncommunicable diseases. We examined the levels of physical inactivity and its determinants among Ghanaians in different geographical locations. We used the Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants data of Ghanaian adults (n = 4760) age 25-70 yr in rural and urban Ghana and three European cities (Amsterdam, London, and Berlin). Using total physical activity metabolic equivalent of task, physical inactivity was defined as total physical activity metabolic equivalent of task minutes per week less than 600. Logistic regression was used to examine the differences in the levels and the determinants of physical inactivity across sites. Physical inactivity was higher among Ghanaian migrants (14.6% in Amsterdam, 24.1% in Berlin, and 36.6% in London) and urban Ghanaians (29.0%) compared with rural Ghanaians (11.2%). After adjustment for covariates (age, sex, education, health status, smoking status, body mass index, and social network) using rural Ghanaians as the comparator group, the odds ratios for physical inactivity in men ranged from 3.67 (95% confidence interval, 2.19-6.16) in urban Ghanaians to 10.37 (5.96-18.02) in London Ghanaians, and from 3.27 (2.46-4.35) in urban Ghanaians to 4.41 (3.12-6.22) in London Ghanaians in women. Migrants in London and Berlin had higher odds of physical inactivity compared with Amsterdam. Increased age, university education, and overweight/obesity were positively associated with physical inactivity, whereas social support was inversely associated with physical inactivity with variability across sites. Findings indicate high prevalence of physical inactivity among Ghanaians in all sites, particularly among Ghanaians in Europe. Hence, there is the need to take local context into account to improve PA.

Polscy migranci w Londynie w obliczu Brexitu – (re)adaptacja? Wyniki badań wstępnych

Polish migrants in London in the face of Brexit – (re)adaptation? Results of preliminary research. The article presents selected results of preliminary research regarding the life situation of Polish migrants living in London in the face of Brexit. The aim of the study was, among others, to analyze readaptation strategies in a group of Polish migrants in the conditions of the forthcoming geopolitical change, i.e. the UK’s exit from the European Union. The theoretical basis for the study was the concept of social anchoring. In the context of analyzing readaptation strategies in the conditions of migration, the concept can explain processes that stabilize the position of people in the face of social change, but also in a generally understood, rapidly changing society. At the same time, it can explain the implementation of specific adaptation strategies. Research results indicate that there is a relationship between the number and subjectively perceived ‘importance’ of social anchors, and adopted readaptation strategies in the face of Brexit. Issues related to economic and institutional and legal aspects turned out to be important anchors. I have also noted four types of ‘behavior’ that can be called readaptation strategies. They were called: strategy of citizenship, strategy of suspension (“Brexit numbness”), strategy of return and strategy of confidence. The research was carried out using a qualitative approach on a group of 25 Poles living in London. Interviews were conducted at the turn of April and May and in October 2019 as part of a scientific project: “Process of social (re)adaptation of Polish migrants in London in the face of Brexit – changing and redefining social status from an intragroup perspective” (NSC, Miniatura 2, Nr rej.: 2018/02/X/HS6/02300).

Becoming ‘a Londoner’: Migrants’ experiences and habits of everyday (im)mobilities over the life course

Everyday (im)mobilities continuously emerge out of dynamic interactions between bodies, objects and environments. Demonstrating the importance of past behaviours, life course and context, mobility biographies research has supplemented and advanced previous understandings of the factors which sustain and transform everyday mobilities. Despite this, its empirical and theoretical scope remains limited. The primary focus on certain life stages and key events as triggers of change in long-term travel behaviour has meant the effects of small-scale, short-term and multi-directional changes have largely been overlooked or ignored. I argue this failure is in part due to prevailing conceptions of experience, habit and environment. Engaging primarily with John Dewey’s writings and empirical materials generated with New Zealand migrants in London, I demonstrate how experience and habit can instead be understood as dynamic, relational and temporal processes. These New Zealanders, like other migrants, are shown to occupy multiple subject positions between, and experience complex dislocations and engagements with the practicalities of, places of departure and settlement. Their accounts help to foreground how events and happenings that continuously unfold in the everyday lives of migrants and non-migrants are undergone, negotiated, contested and fraught with uncertainty, innovation and ambivalence. Stretching across time and space, the cumulative, reinforcing and transformative effects of these processes do not coincide with pre-defined events but nonetheless change how movement, dwelling and subjectivities are differentially experienced and embodied.

In search of perfect boundaries? Entrepreneurs’ work-life balance

Purpose Does the self-employed nature of entrepreneurs’ business ventures mean that they have perfect boundaries between their work and nonwork lives? Drawing on border theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine entrepreneurs’ work–life balance (WLB) in terms of how they construct and manage the borders between their work and nonwork lives. Design/methodology/approach The authors adopt a qualitative research approach to enhance their insight into entrepreneurs’ WLB using border theory. The study benefits from its empirical focus on Nigerian migrants in London who represent a distinct minority group living in urban areas in the developed world. Data for the study was collected over a three-month period, utilising semi-structured interviews as the primary method of data collection. Findings The study’s findings indicate that entrepreneurs prioritise “work” over “life” and reveal that entrepreneurs have little desire for boundaries as they work everywhere, which makes long working hours prevalent among them. Furthermore, the findings bring to the fore the prevalent social anomaly of entrepreneurs preferring to be unmarried, single and even divorced as a result of or associated with the entrepreneurs’ boundaries creation and management. Research limitations/implications The extent to which the findings of this research can be generalised is constrained by the limited and selected sample of the research. Practical implications Research on human resource management (HRM) in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or businesses in which entrepreneurs operate is still under developed. The issue of the size and the nature of an organisation (i.e. labour or product market influences, ownership structures, etc.) have profound implications for human resources (HR) structures, policies and practices and the quality of the WLB of entrepreneurs. Research on HRM and entrepreneurship is still evolving. Consequently, HRM in several entrepreneurial business ventures is sometimes (if not often) organisationally fluid and ad hoc. The main implication for this work environment is that there may be little structure in HRM policies and processes to help self-employed entrepreneurs in their ability to comprehensively manage border crossing and to achieve WLB. Originality/value This paper provides valuable insights into entrepreneurs’ work/nonwork boundaries, which is hugely influenced by the commodification of time and money. It also enriches work–life border theory and its social constructionist perspective.

Residential trajectories of high-skilled transnational migrants in a global city: Exploring the housing choices of Russian and Italian professionals in London

This paper explores the residential trajectories of highly skilled transnational migrants in London. It analyses this under-researched topic by drawing on interview data with 32 mostly Italian and Russian migrants. The paper unveils the motivations of migrant housing preferences and residential behaviour across three interlinked stages: (i) housing expectations and initial housing choices, (ii) residential mobility over the migration period, (iii) future residential and migration plans. Two exogenous factors are brought into the analysis: the high prices in the London housing market, and the potential impact of Brexit on future residential plans. Findings suggest that Italians build multi-stage housing careers with many moves during their stay, yet geared to an upward housing trajectory, whilst the Russians demand high-quality housing from the start, are less inclined to multi-occupancy, and move less often. Part of the explanation for the difference lies in different ‘housing cultures’ brought from the country of origin.

A Crisis‐Driven Migration? Aspirations and Experiences of the Post‐2008 South European Migrants in London

AbstractSince the 1990s young South Europeans have been attracted to London by the dynamic labour market and cultural radiance of the city, but also pushed by unfavourable conditions in the labour markets of their origin countries. Subsequently, the Eurozone crisis, austerity politics and their socio‐political consequences have markedly intensified migration rates. But did they also signify a rupture in terms of the motivations, experiences and aspirations of the migrants? Drawing on in‐depth interviews with Greek, Italian and Spanish migrants of different educational levels, we find that post‐materialist motivations and pro‐migration dispositions prevail among the “crisis‐migrants”. Migration is seen and experienced as a step forward, rather than a disruptive force, signalling a positive message in defence of intra‐EU free mobility. Yet at times of neoliberal deregulation and economic and political uncertainty, aspirations for socio‐economic stability and settlement are also of growing importance, questioning mobility as the normative way of contemporary life.

Urban Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in transnational perspective: reflections from Brazilian women in London

This article explores the nature of urban Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) among Brazilian migrants in London from a transnational perspective. Through adapting the continuum approach to und...

The moderating effect of functional social support on the association between unfair treatment and self-rated health: A study of the resilience of a community-based sample of Irish migrants in London

Despite research demonstrating the health promoting effects of social support, few studies have examined the moderating effect of functional social support on everyday unfair treatment for migrant communities. This study investigates whether functional social support moderates the association between unfair treatment and poor self-rated health for Irish migrants to the UK. Analysis of a purposive sample of Irish migrants in London was conducted ( n = 790). Interaction was analyzed via hierarchical logistic regression. Irish migrants who perceived unfair treatment were over three times more likely to report fair/poor health (odds ratio = 3.47, 95% confidence interval = 2.0–6.02). Higher levels of support in times of crisis were associated with reduced poor health. Higher levels of instrumental or practical support from neighbors moderated against the negative effect of unfair treatment on self-rated health (odds ratio = 0.29, 95% confidence interval = 0.08–0.96) and had a protective stabilizing effect. Instrumental support may have a protective-enhancing effect for female migrants. Results support other studies which indicate that instrumental support is most influential in the context of adversity. Interventions that promote neighborhood social capital may build resilience to unfair treatment for migrant communities in large cities.

Perceived Functional Social Support and Self-Rated Health: The Health Promoting Effects of Instrumental Support for the Irish Community in London.

Despite an increasing volume of research on Irish migrants to the UK, limited scientific data exists on the main effects of social support on the health of this community. A sample of Irish migrants in London was purposefully recruited (n = 790). Linear regression was used to predict social support. Logistic regression examined the independent association between functional social support and self-rated health (SRH) controlling for low risk covariates. Older age, economic factors and better SRH precited stronger social support. Irish migrants who reported being able to rely on at least three people in times of crisis and those who perceived strongeremotional support were more likely to report good SRH when adjusted for demography and socio-economic factors. As risks increased only perceived support in times of crisis predicted SRH. Interventions which build reliable and trusted social networks may have a direct effect on migrant health.

Performing new identities: the community language of post-crisis Italian migrants in London

ABSTRACTAfter the 2008 global crisis, Italy has experienced a relevant resumption of emigration. Tens of thousands of young Italians have chosen London as their favourite destination, giving rise to a new Italian community in the city. This article focuses on the transformation of migrants’ national identity and on a distinctive device of identity expression: language. Sample cases, extracted from a dataset collected for an original doctoral project, are used to explain how the insertion of English elements in speakers’ native language become the expression of the loss of pure national identity and of the renegotiation of transnational and migratory identities.

Narratives of Settling in Contexts of Mobility: A Comparative Analysis of Irish and Polish Highly Qualified Women Migrants in London

AbstractAdopting a spatio‐temporal lens, this article explores how highly qualified migrant women negotiate relationships and career motivations in specific socio‐structural contexts. Comparing migration experiences of Irish and Polish women in London, I explore similarities within and differences between these groups. Having joined the EU in 1973, Ireland can be regarded as part of “old EU”, while Poland joining in 2004 is part of the “new” wave of EU members. Migration from old and new member states is often discussed separately using different framing. This article contributes to understanding migration in three ways. Firstly, by developing comparative analysis, which goes beyond narrow and static migrant categories. Secondly, by challenging the temporary/transient versus permanence/integration dichotomy to explore a “sliding scale” of migrant trajectories. Thirdly, by illustrating how evolving relationships, through the life cycle, may enable but also hinder migrant women's opportunities for settling in or moving on.

Youth and social movements on the move: political engagement among young Spanish migrants in London

ABSTRACTSince the beginning of the economic crisis in Spain young people have migrated abroad looking for job opportunities. In the meantime, after the 15-M movement in 2011, Spanish society created various social movements hoping to make change happen, as well as the pro-independence movement in Catalonia that gathered strength as a response to the Spanish economic and political crisis. This paper analyses how Spanish young people in London, as transmigrants rooted in two different countries, engage with the politics of their home country through two transnational social movements in London: ANC England and the Maroon Wave London. The article describes both local movements (comparing their goals, structure and activities), showing the reasons that young Spanish migrants get involved and their experiences within them. It also rethinks the nature and modalities of young diasporic identities and political engagement in the global age through the experiences of the young people interviewed.

London’s Polish Borders: Transnationalizing Class and Ethnicity among Polish Migrants in London

London’s Polish Borders: Transnationalizing Class and Ethnicity among Polish Migrants in London

The temporality of illegality

Through an ethnography of undocumented migrants from Latin America to London, I explore the temporality of illegality as a piecemeal process in which migrants find themselves embodying new ways of being in the world. I investigate the power of illegality beyond its legal connotations and through the analysis of the everyday experiences of migrants in London, I show how it affects the external structure of migrants’ worlds, as well as their subjectivities. I show how the illegal status is imagined, embodied, and sustained over an indefinite and uncertain length of time. Undocumented migrants in London are required to slowly adapt, to wait through anxious engagements with other people, and to deal with a legal system that controls their fractured presents and their uncertain futures.

‘I don’t belong nowhere really’:The Figure of the London Migrant in Dan Jacobson’s ‘A Long Way from London’ and Jean Rhys’s ‘Let Them Call It Jazz’

In this article we compare and contrast the figure of the migrant, central to Dan Jacobson’s short story ‘A Long Way from London’ ([1953] 1958. A Long Way from London and other stories. London: Weidenfeld & Nicholson), and to Jean Rhys’s short story ‘Let Them Call It Jazz’ ([1962] 1987. The Collected Stories. New York: Norton), both of which are set in London in the early to mid-twentieth century. The main argument is that these figures, as migrants in London from South Africa and the Caribbean respectively, similarly occupy a liminal space despite stark differences in class, race and gender. In both stories this liminal space is described through evocations of London as a hostile diasporic space, lacking in hospitality, and experienced by the migrant figure as a place of confinement and incarceration. Also, both stories utilize the technique of silence or lacunae when it comes to issues of specific discrimination and abuse, such as racism or sexual exploitation. For the purposes of comparison, the character Manwera from ‘A Long Way from London’ and, Selina, the protagonist of ‘Let Them Call It Jazz’, are selected for analysis. Particularly, their respective responses (Manwera’s pride and dignity, and Selina’s recovery after a breakdown, and her musical talent) to the exigencies of migration are suggestive of ‘adaptive strength’ (Steve Vertovec and Robin Cohen [1999] 2001. Migration, Diasporas and Transnationalism. Cheltenham and Northampton MA: Elgar Reference Collection, xviii), a common feature in transnational literature which attempts to celebrate liminality and multiplicity as key characteristics of a transnational subjectivity. In addition, the protagonist of ‘A Long Way from London’, Arthur, offers a contrast to Manwera and Selina, not only because of race and class, but because he is depicted as having adapted to and assimilated into British culture, while being strangely detached from and ambivalent about both homeland and diasporic home. Varying forms of adaptive strength are portrayed in both stories, but they close with intimations of bleak futures for the migrant figures. The essay thus concludes with the observation that in these two stories, the figure of the London migrant is rendered as facing further grave challenges, and that all three figures ‘belong nowhere’ (Rhys [1962] 1987, 175).