Island of Hope: Migration and Solidarity in the Mediterranean

Transnational migration is a defining feature of social life in the Mediterranean, with Sicily being a key destination. Island of Hope explores the emergence of social solidarity initiatives and networks between citizens and noncitizens to improve livelihoods and mobilize for radical political change, asserting that these mobilizations hold significance for the rights of migrants and the material and affective well-being of society at large.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2021
Publisher: University of California Press

Transnational migration is a defining feature of social life in the Mediterranean today, with thousands of migrants attempting the perilous maritime journey from North Africa to Europe each year. On the island of Sicily, where many migrants first arrive and ultimately remain, the contours of migrant reception and integration are frequently animated by broader concerns for human rights and social justice.

Island of Hope, a groundbreaking book by anthropologist Megan Carney, sheds light on the emergence of social solidarity initiatives and networks forged between citizens and noncitizens who work together to improve local livelihoods and mobilize for radical political change. Basing her argument on years of ethnographic fieldwork with frontline communities in Sicily, Carney asserts that such mobilizations hold significance not only for the rights of migrants, but for the material and affective well-being of society at large.

The book explores the complex dynamics of migrant reception and integration on the island, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that arise from the presence of diverse populations. It examines the ways in which local communities have responded to the needs of migrants, both by providing essential services and by advocating for their rights. Carney also explores the role of social media and other forms of digital communication in mobilizing communities and organizing for change.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of building bridges between citizens and noncitizens in order to create a more inclusive and equitable society. Carney argues that social solidarity initiatives can help to break down barriers of race, class, and nationality and promote a sense of shared responsibility for the well-being of all members of society. She also highlights the ways in which such initiatives can challenge dominant narratives about migration and promote a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of the experiences of migrants.

Another important theme of the book is the role of grassroots organizations and community-based initiatives in mobilizing for radical political change. Carney argues that such organizations can provide a powerful platform for marginalized voices and promote a more democratic and inclusive political process. She provides examples of successful social solidarity initiatives that have led to policy changes and social justice reforms, such as the campaign to legalize undocumented workers in Italy.

Overall, Island of Hope is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the complex dynamics of migrant reception and integration in the Mediterranean. It provides valuable insights into the ways in which social solidarity initiatives can promote human rights, social justice, and the well-being of society at large. The book is a must-read for policymakers, activists, and anyone interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities of transnational migration in the Mediterranean region.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520344518