Global network theory is a novel way of studying contemporary migration activities. The theory is linked to the ease of travel, technological networking, the increasing role played by migrants in their countries of origin through remittances and family maintenance, and the marginalisation or integration of migrants in their receiving countries.
Global migration networks are often built on existing family and community networks of people living and working in different countries, and are intensified by globalisation. Migrants clearly use such networks to assist each other in the process of migration, settlement and integration, and to keep in touch with their home countries and with family and friends in other migration destinations. But such networks are also used as a way of keeping cultures alive and constructing diasporic cultures – all of which must be seen as ways of integrating in their new locations.
In 21st-century Ireland, we are beginning to see the formation of migrant networks, particularly in the fields of religion (see for example the huge increase in African-led churches in Ireland), the media (note the growing number of migrant newspapers, radio and television programmes and websites in a variety of languages, not to mention some mainstream channels publishing for migrants readers), culture (including migrant music, theatre and art networks), and advocacy networks (working on a variety of issues from women’s concerns to service provision).
Much social research into migration in Ireland has concentrated on what the Irish State and Irish people think or do. However, understanding what migrants themselves do in order to integrate into Irish society is vital in terms of creating a truly intercultural future. This is a crucial crossroads for Ireland in terms of the contribution migrants are making to our society.
I am currently leading a research project within the Trinity Immigration Initiative at Trinity College Dublin which aims to look at migrants’ own networking activities, in order to understand not only migrants’ cultural integration and expression, but also to assist a variety of stakeholders – from Government departments to public bodies, NGOs, the media and the general public – to consider migrants as active agents in their own integration, and as contributing to Ireland’s new cultural richness.
I am joined in this project by three young researchers – Carla De Tona, Elena Moreo and Ying Yun Wang – who have already begun contacting and interviewing many migrant networks. Together we aim to give voice to the networking experiences of migrant groups and produce a mapping of migrant networks in today’s Ireland.
Our initial research is uncovering a huge wealth of networking activity. Indeed, migrants, as anyone involved in working with them knows, are not passive recipients of Irish State policies but are rather initiating many activities in the realms of religion, culture, advocacy and gender equality, to name but a few.
We are interested in hearing from members of differen migrant networks throughout Ireland who are prepared to share their experiences with us. So please tell us about your network by getting in touch with me by e-mail at rlentin@tcd.ie or contacting Carla, Elena or Ying at 01 896 3204.
Dr Ronit Lentin is head of the MPhil in Ethnic and Racial Studies at the Department of Sociology at Trinity College Dublin. Her column appears fortnightly in Metro Eireann
