Paolo Ruspini

Conceptualizing Transnationalism: East-West Migration Patterns in Europe

The purpose of this article is to look at contemporary East-West mobility, its features and current developments in the light of the evolving theory and empirical findings on transnationalism. Patterns of circular migration and transnational formations are no new phenomena; however, the contemporary ease of communication and transportation changed the extent and magnitude of these flows.

Learning from Clients

This work resulted in a brand new research experience that allowed some good comparative efforts on trafficking for sexual exploitation as well as a first-hand investigation into the type, habits and preferences of clients of prostitution in selected European countries. The choice of these EU countries made it possible to compare legislative and policy models to manage or tackle prostitution as well as its undesirable violent component.

Innocent When You Dream Clients and Trafficked Women in Italy

Over the past twenty years in Italy, the phenomenon of trafficked prostitution has grown producing an increase in criminality and social insecurity. In this regard, some pieces of research have been conducted to explore the phenomenon and suggest possible areas of intervention. However, current studies have focused only on “one side of the coin”, i.e. the supply for trafficked sex, neglecting its demand.

Objectives and Methodology of the Research

Trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation is one of the most worrying and one of the largest illegal markets of our society. However, the demand that characterizes this market is still unexplored. Our research and this book, which presents its results, aim to contribute in filling the gap of knowledge by answering some basic and driving questions.

Social Networks and Transnational Migration Practices

The leading question of this chapter is how networking models develop during the process of migration—starting from organizing the initial travel, going through the challenges of finding a job and ending with transnational practices. In this process, three different types of networking are addressed: one defined by relatives, one based on colleagues and acquaintances and one characterized by the employers’ support, typical for the more settled type of migrants. The chapter addresses the interaction of migrants with the home country, showing that it is increasingly dominated by modern IT communication. Regarding interactions with the host community, the analysis indicates a pattern orientated towards the Bulgarian Diaspora though more educated migrants tend to communicate in wider and culturally diverse networks. Mobility apart, the research shows that remittances along with sending of goods emerge as social transfers and represent important transnational practices. Finally, the chapter highlights a number of interesting findings, revealing migration as a driver of shifts in national and ethnic identity. The data speaks about identity shifts leading to a self-identification with other more positively perceived ethnic, national and supra national groups.

Analysis and Conclusions: Research and Policy Challenges Ahead

The concluding chapter recaps the main findings of our research on different types of migration and mobility between Bulgaria and Switzerland and their determinants. Reference to East–West migration flows and transnational configurations in Europe helps in contrasting and understanding the peculiarities of the Swiss-Bulgarian case studied. Potential and current migration, including circular and return flows between Switzerland and Bulgaria, are the result of a combination of economic, social and political factors at micro, meso and macro levels that the research instruments have combined to capture. Stratified patterns of migration are explained by showing the role of inequality in permeating similar social processes and further enlarging the real and self-perceived divide between more and less successful Bulgarian migrants. The networking and transnational dimensions, in connection with inequalities, regional disparities and migration policy, explain to a great extent the degree of inclusion or exclusion, as well as the perceived sense of identity and belonging of different categories of Bulgarian migrants currently in Switzerland and circular/repeat migrants or returnees back in Bulgaria. The concluding remarks also aim to conceptualize further the interlinkages we have studied empirically to highlight the theoretical and empirical challenges which lie ahead for further research.

Determinants of Migration and Types of Migration and Mobility

The chapter suggests a comprehensive study of migration typology for Bulgarian migrants based on the concepts of individual aspirations and capabilities. The analysis utilizes data from sample surveys conducted in Switzerland and Bulgaria. An original classification of migrant types is proposed on the basis of aspirations revealed in respect of the future plans of the surveyed individuals. A distinction between short- and long-term potential migrants is derived. A subsample of the mobile population currently residing in Bulgaria is identified as well, i.e. those who have recent migration experience. These individuals are further differentiated into two main types: return and circular migrants. Along with this, the survey of Bulgarians residing in Switzerland provides an option to identify similar migrant types. The chapter provides insights on various aspects of the socio-economic profiles of the migration types studied. Finally, using logistic regression models the main determinants of the migration aspirations are outlined incorporating a selection of demographic and capability variables of respondents.

An Introduction to Migration and Transnationalism Between Switzerland and Bulgaria

Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, the political order of the borders within Europe has changed and has, subsequently, led to new paths and forms of migration. By discussing the case of Bulgarian–Swiss migration, this book gives an insight into such new patterns of migration. This chapter provides an introduction to the debates on East–West migration in Europe and situates the case we discuss within these debates. Further, it outlines the concepts that theoretically frame the analysis developed throughout the book: Transnationalism is used as an umbrella concept to capture practices and networks across countries but also to open up the term migration to include other forms of mobility such as circular movements. Social inequalities are often seen as a driver for migration; furthermore, they also structure migration patterns and are, vice versa, also affected by migration. Regional disparities provide the background to analyse the origin of migrants within a country and couple it with questions such as the economic development of certain regions. Finally, policies provide the context that frames and structures migration patterns. The chapter then outlines the empirical basis for the research including quantitative as well as qualitative data. Lastly, the chapter concludes with an overview of the various chapters of the book.