Volume 14, 2005

Issue N. 1-2

Ernst Spaan and Ton van Naerssen

"Asia and Europe: Transnationalism, Multiple Linkages and Development," Vol. 14 (1-2), pp. 1-10, 2005

Michael J.G. Parnwell

"Transnational Migration and Development: A Conceptual Overview," Vol. 14 (1-2), pp. 11-34, 2005

Since the late 1990s transnational migration has emerged as a distinct field of study within a broader and longer-established literature on international migration and immigration. Migration as/and transnationalism centers on “occupations and activities that require regular and sustained social contact over time across national borders for their implementation” (Portes, Guarnizo and Landolt, 1999: 219), and as such is seen in a different light to, for instance, international labor migration which is arguably less mercurial, more formal and predictable in motivation, shape, function, form and impact. The literature on the developmental underpinnings and impact of international migration is broad, deep and diverse – at least when ‘development’ is seen from a narrow, orthodox, economistic perspective. Discussion of the developmental implications (both as a source and an outcome) of transnational migration is far less advanced, and that from an ‘alternative development’ perspective almost non-existent. The objective of this paper is to introduce a conceptual overview of transnational migration and development, broadly defined, both for its own sake and in the hope that it may provide a useful framework for the other papers in this special issue. Where reference is made to contextual factors, the author will draw, in the main, on his own experience of the Southeast Asian region in identifying his conceptual building blocks. The paper starts with an introductory overview of transnational migration and transnationalism, before moving on to look at selected aspects of their association with development. The paper looks briefly at transition theory, the possible parallels between transnational migration and internal migration, and finally at some of the social dimensions of development to which transnationalism naturally points, with a particular emphasis on social capital.

Ernst Spaan, Ton van Naerssen and Felicitas Hillmann

"Shifts in the European Discourses on Migration and Development," Vol. 14 (1-2), pp. 35-70, 2005

The issue of migration and development is currently high on the agenda of both development agencies and research institutes in several European countries. It used to be discussed during the 1960/1970s within a framework which, among others, comprised push-and pull factors in migration, brain drain, remittances and return migration. Its return on the development agenda occurs within the context of European post-modern societies, globalization and transnationalism. Key notions now are remittances and foreign direct investment, knowledge transfer, brain gain, transnational entrepreneurship and diasporas. This paper aims to explain the shifts in paradigms and discourses, with reference to the European Union, and particularly in the Netherlands and Germany. Research efforts and policy documents were scrutinized to trace the shifts in discourses. Moreover, the role of different actors in the debate - government agencies, migrant organizations, development funding agencies, and research institutes – is explored. Although some comparisons were made with similar situations in other parts of the world, the paper focuses on Asia-Europe migration. Although the migration and development debate has acquired a more positive tone, the recognition of the potential of diasporas for development varies by country context and policies have yet to integrate migration and development issues in their frameworks.

Brenda S.A. Yeoh and Katie D. Willis

"‘Singapore Unlimited’?: Transnational Elites and Negotiations of Social Identity in the Regionalization Process," Vol. 14 (1-2), pp. 71-96, 2005

Drawing on the burgeoning literature on globalization, international migration and the deterritorialization of social identity in transcultural contexts, we examine the diasporic designs of the Singapore state in its ‘go-regional’ push and compare this with individual (re)negotiations of social identity as a result of relocation in China. While the state has exhorted the value of configuring a Singaporean diasporic identity which facilitates cultural penetration of the Chinese nation through network capitalism and ethnic entrepreneurship and by projecting Singapore’s brand name on foreign shores, identity negotiations of individual citizens across transnational space appears to be both ‘strategic’ and ‘sticky.’

Nicola Piper

"Rights of Foreign Domestic Workers - Emergence of Transnational and Transregional Solidarity?," Vol. 14 (1-2), pp. 97-120, 2005

This paper explores the notion of an emerging transnational or transregional labor solidarity of foreign workers across the Southeast and East Asian region as well as Europe by investigating migration as an instrument of political transformation through the concept of transnationalism. The issue of solidarity is analyzed through the lens of non-governmental activism as represented by trade union and NGOs, two types of organizations with different strengths and weaknesses. The political organization of migrant is rendered difficult because of the nature of their jobs, organizational ‘culture’or tradition, and political space for activism. Among migrant workers, the challenge is greatest for foreign domestic workers, who have been described as particularly “unorganizable.” Reflecting the cross-border nature of labor migration, political action to address abusive and discriminatory treatment is also becoming increasingly transnational. Thus far, transnational advocacy networks have been mainly intraregional with little or no engagement by trade unions. But some linkages have begun to be formed across regions, such as between Asia and Europe, and there are signs of trade unions getting more involved. In this sense, feminized migration from below has begun to contribute to ‘democratization’ from below.

Daniele Cologna

"Differential Impact of Transnational Ties on the Socio-Economic Development of Origin Communities: The Case of Chinese Migrants from Zhejiang Province in Italy," Vol. 14 (1-2), pp. 121-148, 2005

Based on extensive qualitative research carried out in Milan and Rome, Italy, among Zhejiang migrants, this paper attempts to compare the transnational strategies of migrants from the Wencheng and Qingtian districts, and to examine the impact of their transnational practices on their districts of origin. The striking differences in the character and scope of local development in these two districts of Southern Zhejiang province suggests the operation of factors that affect the migration-development nexus. Findings indicate major constraints and aspirations that shape the migrants’ career abroad and their ability to take active part in local development. As such, there is a need to balance optimistic views of migration as an informal development policy with a sober appraisal of its limits and possible unexpected side effects.

Hye-Kyung Lee

"The Korean Diaspora and Its Impact on Korea's Development," Vol. 14 (1-2), pp. 149-168, 2005

This paper reviews the history of the Korean diaspora and the emigration of Koreans in different periods and attempts to demonstrate how the Korean diaspora has contributed to the country’s development. As of 2003, the overseas Korean population was estimated at 6.1 million distributed in 173 countries. Up until the 1970s, emigration patterns from South Korea corresponded with the country’s low level of development. From the 1970s, migration patterns had been more closely associated with development processes. The organized labor export undertaken by Korean labor companies in the 1970s facilitated monetary and trade gains. The contributions of overseas Korean communities and thriving businesses of Korean immigrants to the country’s trade, investments and transfer of knowledge and skills provide an alternative view to concerns about brain drain that were much-discussed in the 1960s. Korea’s transformation from a labor exporting country to a labor importing one in the late 1980s has had mixed results. On the one hand, it has led to the influx of ethnic Koreans from China, who provide cheap labor. On the other hand, unemployed Koreans, especially highly educated young people, are turning to overseas employment as an option. The Korean diaspora will continue to play important roles in the future development of Korea.

Marisha Maas

169 Transnational Entrepreneurship: Exploring Determinants and Impacts of a Dutch-based Filipino Immigrant Business," Vol. 14 (1-2), pp. 169-192, 2005

Remittances typically receive the most attention from sending governments as a resource for national economic development. However, evidence shows that migrants increasingly maintain other types of relations with the home region that may have more potential to contribute to sustainable economic growth. This paper explores transnational entrepreneurship as one of these newly emerging cross-border relations. It draws upon existing studies on transnational entrepreneurship and provides an overview of the factors that explain its emergence and its (potential) significance or impact on the home society. It situates this particular form of transnational migrant engagement within the broader process of transnationalization. Based on a case study of transnational entrepreneurship initiated by a Dutch-based Filipina, I aim to illustrate how such an activity can contribute to –or even initiate- the development of broader transnational involvements. This case study thus sheds light on how an individual migrant’s business connections can affect the lives of people in the origin region.

Maggie W.H. Leung

"Keeping Compatriots on the Move: A Study of Ethnic Chinese Migrant-owned Travel Agencies in Germany," Vol. 14 (1-2), pp. 193-224, 2005

This paper examines the tourist agency sector, a burgeoning ethnic Chinese migrant business in Germany, in relation to the concept of “mixed embeddedness.” Special attention is given to the interplay of economic, cultural and institutional factors in shaping the location and operations of travel agencies. The paper analyzes the importance of “home” as a marketable cultural product in the diaspora tourism industry and the role of these migrant businesses in the expanding Chinese tourist market. Findings of the study illustrate the nature and significance of ethnic networks among Chinese tourist agencies and other branches of Chinese businesses in Europe.

RESEARCH NOTE

Jeremaiah M. Opiniano

"Filipinos Doing Diaspora Philanthropy: The Development Potential of Transnational Migration," Vol. 14 (1-2), pp. 225-241, 2005

Other than remittances, diaspora philanthropy has emerged as a practice that may contribute to local development. This paper presents an overview of diaspora philanthropy by Filipino migrants: it identifies the dynamics between migrant-donors and recipients in the Philippine end, it outlines the actors involved in diaspora philanthropy, and it provides examples of development projects supported by migrants. The paper concludes by suggesting areas for further research.