ABSTRACTS

Migrants trafficking and individual strategies: the formation of dynamic channels in

international migration

João Peixoto

Abstract

In this paper, a discussion of the current modalities of migrants trafficking will be made, taking into account the vast expression that it acquires and its extremely dynamic character. The main empirical base is a recent research project carried out in Portugal, which considered both labour and sexual exploitation related flows. The underlying claim is that it is the conjunction of individual aspirations for migration, stringent migration policies and organised intermediary agents that lead to the surge of dynamic modalities for channelling flows. The fact that each agent actively interacts with the others explains the continuing changes in the process.

Keywords: Trafficking, smuggling, illegal migration, Portugal.

Ethnic Residential Segregation and

Assimilation in British Towns and Cities: a Comparison of those claiming Single and Dual Ethnic Identities

Ron Johnston, Michael Poulsen and James Forrest

Abstract

There is considerable public debate over the degree of residential segregation of members of ethnic minority groups in British urban areas. Some claim that this is increasing, others that with economic and social assimilation members of those minority groups are increasingly moving away from the areas of initial concentration. The implication is that the more assimilated are also the least segregated. To test whether this is the case, data from the 2001 British census are used to explore whether those who claim a mixed or dual ethnic identity – and who are assumed to be more assimilated than those who identify with one of the minority groups only – are less segregated residentially. The evidence overwhelmingly sustains that argument that they are.

Keywords: ethnic identity, residential segregation, assimilation.

Ethnic conflict, wars and international

migration of Turkmen: evidence from Iraq

Ibrahim Sirkeci

Abstract

Ethnic conflicts and wars have been a significant factor determining minority populations’ outflow from Iraq. Turkmen as such minority have been subjected to oppression. Limited economic opportunities combined with the effects of wars imposed an environment of insecurity on Turkmen. This has further facilitated and promoted emigration as it offered “opportunity frameworks” for capable segments of this particular ethnic group. This paper presents findings from a survey conducted in Iraq in 2004 reaching 1040 Turkmen households. Systematic discrimination and ongoing internal and international conflicts and wars forced Turkmen as well as others to flee.

            Keywords: environment of insecurity, opportunity frameworks, ethnic conflict, Turkmen, Iraq.

Mental Health Workforce Collaboration and Partnership: Towards a response to World Health Assembly Resolution WHA 57.19

Nicholas G. Procter

Abstract

Using Australia as the main example, the aim of this paper is to consider selective aspects of the forthcoming World Health Report 2006 as it sets an agenda to create a responsive and dynamic health workforce. At the core of a culturally competent mental health workforce will be clinicians prepared to question and respond to particular health experiences and what they, managers and policy makers of all persuasions see as different perceived causes of concern, optimal care and culturally appropriate support and treatment. The enlargement of focus contained in this paper is intended to stimulate more informed and compassionate awareness and respect for alternative points of view held between health and human service workers and communities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Keywords: culture, cultural competence; mental health, refugee.

International migration between Finland and the Baltic Sea Region

Elli Heikkilä

Abstract

Immigration from the former socialist countries into Western Europe generally increased after the fall of the Iron Curtain. This was also apparent with respect to the Nordic labour markets and Finland where the share of immigrants grew from countries around the Baltic Sea Region. The main immigrant groups come to Finland from Sweden, Russia and Estonia. Immigration from Poland, Lithuania and Latvia has not played such an important role. This paper analyses the volume and integration of immigrants from the selected countries of Baltic Sea Region. Integration can be measured by their performance in the Finnish labour markets.

Keywords: immigration, integration, employment, Baltic Sea Region.

Haciendo de Tripas el Corazón/Plucking Up Courage: Migration, Family Internal Conflict, and Gender in Veronica’s Story

Hilary Parsons Dick

Abstract

This article considers how migrants conceptualize and negotiate the emotional conflicts that accompany decisions to migrate. Such conflicts are a regular feature of migrants’ experience, informing how they understand the act of and reasons for migrating. The article focuses on the life of one migrant: a woman I call “Veronica,” whom I met during research on migration between Uriangato, Guanajuato, Mexico and Chester County, Pennsylvania. I argue that the analysis of discourse offers a particularly illuminating window into how migrants conceptualize and negotiate emotional conflicts. I place this discussion in dialogue with the literature on family internal conflict and gender in migration.

Keywords: Mexico-US migration, discourse analysis, emotion, family internal conflict, gender.

Where do they go?

“A day without a Mexican,” a perspective from south of the border

Jeffrey H. Cohen

Abstract

The author uses the film “A day without a Mexican” to explore Mexican-US migration and to examine current US policy on immigration and in particular, US attitudes toward undocumented Mexican migrant workers.

Keywords: Mexican migration, labor, remittances, Oaxaca.