Постмиграционные общества: экономика, политика, культура

Abstract

To understand the depth of transformations in all spheres of society generated by migration, new terminology is needed. The notion of "postmigrant societies" implies that the distinction between local and migrant population loses its relevance in certain social spheres. According to the familiar epistemological framework, societies are presented as consisting of "local population" on the one hand, and "migrant population" on the other. This understanding, however, is becoming obsolete. First, it does not reflect the fact that the phenomenon of spatial mobility is embedded in the social structure. A significant part of the so-called local population is itself included in migration processes. People who are considered to be part of the "autochthonous population" are in fact migrants themselves due to different circumstances (contract work, long-term stay in another country due to studies, involvement in joint business projects, participation in international scientific teams, availability of real estate abroad, etc.). At the same time, those people who are regarded as "migrants" by common sense can be well integrated into the social institutions of their new homeland. Second, the traditional epistemological framework does not reflect contemporary demographic trends. It is unable to capture two points: (a) population rotation within the framework of circular/pendulum migration; (b) qualitative change in the urban population of industrialized countries.