Introduction

Abstract

This chapter describes the epistemological stance, theoretical perspective and methodological choices that have guided the study. The qualitative research design is described: semi-structured, narrative and spatial interviews, as well as group interviews, were carried out with a total of 37 respondents. Selected respondents were met more than once, up to four times, during 2 years of fieldwork. A theoretical introduction clarifies how the study contributes to a recent strand of literature aiming to transnationalise theories of social inequalities. This scholarship points to the need to analyse migrants’ multiple social statuses in transnational social fields, and to take stock of the significant resources that are circulated in those fields and re-valorised through cross-border circulation. It also points to the theoretical advantages of bringing ideas from mobilities studies into migration studies. Finally, the chapter introduces the study’s respondents: first-generation migrant men and women of Somali origin who arrived in Europe at least 10 years ago, mostly as refugees, and were living in Britain or Switzerland at the time of the interviews. These two countries constitute very different contexts regarding the history and characteristics of Somali migration as well as national and local legislation.