1st Edition

Globalization, Migration and Social Transformation Ireland in Europe and the World

Edited By Bryan Fanning, Ronaldo Munck Copyright 2011
    272 Pages
    by Routledge

    272 Pages
    by Routledge

    In the space of around ten years Ireland went from being a traditional labour exporter to a leading European economy, and thus an attractive destination for immigrants from Eastern Europe and further afield. This produced a singular social laboratory, which this book explores in all its complexity set against the backdrop of globalization. Until recently seen as a showcase for the success of globalization, Ireland also became a destination for those displaced by the effects of globalization elsewhere. Globalization, Migration and Social Transformation takes Ireland as a paradigmatic case of social transformation, exploring the reasons why emigration was so rapidly replaced by immigration, along with the social, political, cultural and economic effects of this shift. Presenting the latest research around the themes of identity, social transformations and EU and Irish politics and policy, this book offers a rich array of detailed empirical case studies drawn from Ireland, which shed light on the experiences of immigrant groups from around the world and the wider processes of social transformation. In addition, it examines the manner in which the Irish state and the broader political system relate to new migrants and vice-versa, thus advancing our comparative understanding of how the European Union is responding to the challenge of mass migration. Globalization, Migration and Social Transformation makes a strong contribution to the comparative literature on immigration and integration, diaspora and social transformation in the era of globalization, and as such, it will appeal to social scientists with interests in migration, race and ethnicity, globalization and Irish studies.

    Globalization, Migration and Social Transformation

    Biography

    Bryan Fanning is Professor of Social Policy at University College Dublin, Ireland and Ronaldo Munck, Head of Civic and Global Engagement, Dublin City University and Visiting Professor of Sociology, University of Liverpool, UK

    'Ireland is an exemplary case of a country where the story of emigration has been superseded by new patterns of immigration - transnational, for settlement and in transit. These illuminating essays are bang up-to-date in their theoretical awareness, comprehensiveness and selection of arresting case studies. The shocks to a monolithic Irish identity immigration has generated are particularly well portrayed.' Robin Cohen, International Migration Institute, University of Oxford, UK 'A clear and welcome compass for navigating "Ireland in the World" and the "World in Ireland". The exacting scholarship presented in this volume brings innovative social science approaches, including that of cultural political economy, to bear on the field.' Thomas Faist, Bielefeld University, Germany 'The book makes a valuable contribution to the study of contemporary Irish migration history and EU migration research more generally.' H-Soz-u-Kult 'Overall, Globalization, Migration and Social Transformation provides the readers with a comprehensive, multi-layer overview of Ireland as an immigrant nation and explores the key challenges that this transformation has poses for immigrants and residents alike.' Australian Journal of Irish Studies 'A key strength of this capacious volume lies in the inter-textuality evident across its three inter-related sections. Readers interested in the confluent, nascent political realities responsible for attenuating the republic’s organisational structure will find this volume invaluable. Its rejection of methodological nationalism will disabuse readers of the premise that existing migrant management policies will be effectual in assimilating new immigrants. This anthology would also stimulate the interest of readers concerned with comparably small countries also dependent on immigration. ... perspicuous and well-presented. It can be readily recommended to students, scholars and policy makers in Ireland and beyond.' The Irish Journal of Sociology