Transnationalism - Updated

This chapter examines transnationalism in migration studies. First, we investigate the initial conceptualizations of the transnational perspective on migration and efforts at systematization. Second, we evaluate the discussions around contentious issues regarding past vs. present transnationalism, the extent of transnationalism among migrants, and transnationalism, globalization, states and politics. We outline a typology of transnationalism in which transnational social spaces are differentiated according to the internal characteristics of group organization and the extent of common or shared values and symbols. Third, we examine methodological notes on transnational research where we assess the term transnationality. We identify multiple research techniques used in transnational studies and conclude that nowadays mixed methods research is on the rise. Finally, we offer some venues for further research through a transnational optic where the focus should be on changing boundaries as social spaces are composed of dynamic processes

Transformations of transnational care in times of the pandemic: spotlights and future prospects

peer reviewedThe COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities in care between mobile and immobile populations. It has highlighted the precarious situation of many migranticized individuals and their families worldwide, but it has also brought their situation into the public eye, providing opportunities for advances in social science understanding and policy reform. This Special Issue explores the interplay between transnational care arrangements, cross-border movement and mobility, and the production of social inequality in the post-COVID-19 world. The collected articles provide a comprehensive picture from different countries and fields, revealing three interrelated processes that reflect the complex dynamics during the pandemic: (1) the interruption of transnational care arrangements; (2) the reorganization of these arrangements; and (3) coping strategies to adapt to (post)pandemic immobilizations, restrictions, and modified patterns of care. In sum, this issue aims to contribute to the advancement of social science understanding and to benefit vulnerable populations

Introduction:international academic mobility and inequalities

Higher education is one of the social fields where inequalities are produced and reproduced. Nevertheless, we still know very little about the ways in which heterogeneities and inequalities have been experienced and interpreted by those involved in international academic mobility. In this introductory editorial, we consider some of the crucial conceptual issues involved in the study of the nexus between inequalities and international academic mobility. First, we argue that it is important to take manifold inequalities into account when examining this nexus. After all, inequalities can be detected at different levels, and the mobility process is structured around multiple heterogeneities rather than by a single one. Second, we discuss how international academic mobility and inequalities attached to it go beyond nation-state borders. Third, we argue it is beneficial to extend the scope of to the mobility process as a whole, as inequalities in opportunities and outcomes are intrinsically connected

Loneliness among International Chinese Students in Germany: Exploring the Role of Personal Networks and Experienced Discrimination

Diekmann I, Bilecen B, Faist T. Loneliness among International Chinese Students in Germany: Exploring the Role of Personal Networks and Experienced Discrimination. COMCAD Arbeitspapiere - Working Papers . Vol 182. Centre on Migration, Citizenship and Development (COMCAD), Fakultät für Soziologie, Universität Bielefeld; 2024.The experience of loneliness is common among international students who study in a foreign country, away from their home. Loneliness refers to the difference between the actual and desired social relationships. In the context of international student mobility, feelings of loneliness may be influenced not only by having a ‘sufficient’ number of social ties, but also other study-abroad-related stressors such as discrimination and not being able to make new cross-national friendships. In this article, we explore the predictors of loneliness among Chinese international students in Germany by examining both their social networks and the difficulties they face while studying abroad. Through our analysis of a unique dataset, we discover that when international students have an equal number of emotionally supportive ties, those with larger networks tend to experience less loneliness compared to those with smaller networks. Furthermore, having a romantic partner is associated with lower levels of loneliness. Additionally, we find that international Chinese students who encounter discrimination and struggle to form cross-national friendships report higher levels of loneliness. By delving into these findings, our research contributes valuable insights to the Special Issue, offering a novel examination of personal networks among international students in Germany. Keywords: international student mobility, loneliness, personal networks, emotional support, friendship, discrimination, China, German

Loneliness among Chinese international and local students in Germany: the role of student status, gender, and emotional support

Bilecen B, Diekmann I, Faist T. Loneliness among Chinese international and local students in Germany: the role of student status, gender, and emotional support. European Journal of Higher Education. 2023:1-19

Qualitative sampling in research on international student mobility: insights from the field in Germany

Aksakal M, Bilecen B, Schmidt K. Qualitative sampling in research on international student mobility: insights from the field in Germany. Globalisation, Societies and Education. 2018;17(5):610-621

Wissensvermittlung in transnationalen Netzwerken

Faist T, Bilecen B. Wissensvermittlung in transnationalen Netzwerken. In: Neusel A, Wolter A, eds. Mobile Wissenschaft: Internationale Mobilität und Migration in der Hochschule. Frankfurt/ New York: Campus Verlag; 2017: 111-134