Migration and divided societies - Ethnopolitics
Chris Gilligan, University of the West of Scotland
Susan Ball-Petsimeris, Universite de Paris 8
We would like to invite articles on the theme of migration and
divided societies for publication in a forthcoming Special Issue of
the journal Ethnopolitics. The Special Issue aims to critically
examine the relationship between migration and social divisions
which are conceptualised as 'ethnic' in popular discourse, academic
writing or government policy. Papers are welcome that raise
questions related to concepts and practices of migration and
segregation along 'ethnic' lines.
Articles should be submitted via email to Chris Gilligan (University
of the West of Scotland, UK) at: (chris.gilligan /at/ uws.ac.uk) to arrive
by Tues 27th October 2009.
For a fuller outline of the rationale for the Special Issue and a
guide to the kinds of questions we would like to address and the
kinds of topics that we would consider for publication, see below.
Thanks in advance for your consideration,
Chris Gilligan, University of the West of Scotland, UK
Susan Ball-Petsimeris, Universite de Paris 8, France
Migration and divided societies
The aim of the Special Issue is to examine the relationship between
migration and social divisions which are characterised as 'ethnic' .
It is now commonplace to hear that, largely due to migration, most
contemporary societies are characterised by ethnic diversity. In
these same societies, however, there are often significant levels of
segregation along 'ethnic' lines. In political science the term
'divided society' refers to nations or regions, (such as Northern
Ireland, South Africa, Bosnia-Herzegovina), which are characterised
by deep social cleavages based on ethnic difference. In this Special
Issue, however, we use the term 'divided society' in a looser sense
to refer to any state, region or locality which is characterise by
significant levels of social divisions which are understood in ethnic terms.
We are particularly interested in articles which examine one or more
of the following topics:
* conceptualising migration and ethnic division;
* experiences of immigrants of ethnic division and attempts at integration;
* responses of society (public, policy-makers, the mass media etc..
) towards migrants and segregation/integration;
* causes of ethnic division;
* outward migration and segregation.
We are also particularly interested in articles which have a
comparative dimension. These comparisons could be: across different
migrant groups; across different historical periods; between
different countries, or; between different regions or cities within
one country.
We provide the following two themes by way of illustration, of the
kinds of topics and questions that might be asked about migration
and social division:
There has been a lot of focus on immigration and segregation. But
what about emigration? Does emigration create, or entrench, social
divisions in the country of emigration? There is some literature on
this topic which examines the case of forced migrations which are
generated through 'ethnic' conflict. This topic could, however, be
developed further. Can, for example, segregation be reversed in
post-conflict situations? What works and what does not work in
attempting to reverse segregation? Are there other, less dramatic
ways in which migration creates or entrenches 'ethnic' division? One
area which has not been explored in any detail is the movement of
indigenous populations away ('white flight') from areas where
immigrants come to reside. What role, if any, do government policies
play in promoting 'white flight'? To what extent is 'white flight'
promoted by ethnic considerations (rather than, for example, class
and upward social mobility)?
Immigrants to 'divided societies' find a society which is already
characterised by a deep social cleavage based on ethnic difference.
What does it mean to integrate in a society which is not itself
integrated? How do immigrants 'fit in' to such a society? Do they
'take sides'? If so, what guides their choice? Do they attempt to
create a 'third space' outside of the existing social division? If
so, what barriers and opportunities do they encounter in doing so?
These themes have been explored most extensively in relation to
Israel. To what extent is the Israeli case unique?
NB: These themes are merely illustrative, they do not indicate that
preference will be given to articles which tackle either of these
themes. Our main criteria for inclusion will be; relevance to the
overall theme, quality of scholarship and originality.
If you know anyone who you think would be interested please pass
this message on to them.
