Trajectories of the migrant subject in Chile: Elements for an analysis of racism and precarious status

Abstract

In this study, we develop an analytic model to understand migrant trajectories and test it based on empirical information collected with qualitative instruments in Chilean society. Specifically, we address the articulation between (a) the institutional conditions deriving from the action of the State, (b) the framework of reproduction of the class condition, (c) the structural elements of racism embedded in the national culture, and (d) the strategies deployed by migrant subjects in pursuit of their goals. The specific objective is to develop the characterization of the institutional and structural dimensions to show their impact on migrant trajectories. In doing so, the study allows us to dialogue with the field literature that deals with both the processes of racialization and the institutional production of a precarious migrant subject.