An introduction to migration and transnationalism between Switzerland and Bulgaria

Abstract

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.