Doing Digital Migration Studies: Theories and Practices of the Everyday

Doing Digital Migration provides a comprehensive entry point to the theoretical debates, methodological interventions, political discussions, and ethical debates surrounding migrant forms of belonging as articulated through digital practices. It explores the impact of digital technologies on everyday migrant lives, the role of migrants in technological developments, and the pluralization of understandings of 'the migrant' and 'the digital.' The anthology is organized in five sections, each introduced by international experts, and covers emerging key topics and debates in digital migration studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 388 pages
Publication date: 21 February 2024
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

Digital migration offers a comprehensive gateway into the diverse range of theoretical discussions, methodological interventions, political deliberations, and ethical debates surrounding the multifaceted expressions of migrant belonging as intricately woven through digital practices. The realm of digital technologies exerts a profound influence on the daily experiences of migrants, while migrants themselves also play a pivotal role in shaping the technological landscape. This interplay manifests in various ways, including navigating the communicative capabilities of platforms and devices, utilizing specific commercial services such as remittances, engaging in platform-based gig work, or serving as test subjects for emerging advanced surveillance technologies. By embracing an international perspective, this anthology fosters a multiplicity of interpretations regarding the concepts of "the migrant" and "the digital."

The anthology is structured into five distinct sections: Creative Practices, Digital Diasporas and Placemaking, Affect and Belonging, Visuality and Digital Media, and Datafication, Infrastructuring, and Securitization. Each section is thoughtfully curated by esteemed international experts, serving as a focal point for emerging and critical topics within the field of digital migration studies.

Within the Creative Practices section, scholars explore the innovative ways in which migrants harness digital technologies to express their identities, preserve cultural heritage, and foster community connections. From digital storytelling and multimedia art to virtual performances and interactive installations, these practices offer a platform for migrants to reclaim agency and redefine their sense of belonging in the digital age.

The Digital Diasporas and Placemaking section delves into the complex dynamics of migrant communities dispersed across geographical boundaries. It examines how digital technologies enable the formation of virtual spaces, facilitate communication, and foster a sense of belonging among migrants irrespective of their physical location. Through case studies and ethnographic research, scholars shed light on the ways in which digital diasporas shape cultural practices, social networks, and political activism among migrants.

Affect and Belonging explores the emotional and psychological dimensions of digital migration. It examines how migrants navigate the complexities of transnationalism, hybrid identities, and the emotional toll of displacement. By drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives, including psychology, sociology, and cultural studies, scholars shed light on the ways in which digital technologies influence the experiences of migrants, shaping their sense of belonging, identity, and well-being.

The Visuality and Digital Media section examines the role of visual media in shaping narratives and representations of migration. It explores how digital technologies enable the circulation of images, videos, and stories, both within and across borders. Through critical analysis of visual content, scholars examine how media representations influence public perceptions, policy debates, and the experiences of migrants themselves.

Datafication, Infrastructuring, and Securitization explores the technological and policy implications of digital migration. It examines how digital technologies are used to track, monitor, and control migrants, as well as the challenges and ethical considerations associated with data collection and surveillance. Through case studies and policy analyses, scholars explore the ways in which digital infrastructures shape the experiences of migrants, both positively and negatively.

In conclusion, Digital Migration: Doing Digital Migration serves as a vital resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to understand the multifaceted dimensions of migrant belonging in the digital age. By presenting a comprehensive entry point into the theoretical debates, methodological interventions, political discussions, and ethical debates surrounding migrant forms of belonging as articulated through digital practices, this anthology fosters a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between technology, migration, and social change. Through its international scope and interdisciplinary approach, it invites scholars to pluralize understandings of "the migrant" and "the digital," contributing to a more inclusive and empathetic society.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789463725774