Migration and Health: Challenging the Borders of Belonging, Care, and Policy

Migration and health scholarship often separates migrants based on legal status, country of origin, destination, or health concern, but people on the move and health systems face challenges and opportunities that transcend these boundaries. This volume explores these epistemic borders and emphasizes the need for a new conversation about migration and health.

Format: Hardback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2022
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Despite the centrality of migration in our contemporary world, scholars of mobility and health often categorize migrants based on legal status, country of origin, destination, or health concerns. However, individuals on the move and health systems encounter challenges and opportunities that transcend these boundaries, including border fortification, neoliberal agendas, and climate change. This volume aims to explore these epistemic borders, recognizing the urgent need for a new conversation about migration and health.

Within the pages of this volume, readers will be introduced to pressing questions of migration and health in diverse social, political, and geographical contexts. Each empirically grounded chapter offers insights into the multifaceted realities of migration and health, shedding light on the experiences and perspectives of migrants and communities across the globe.

The first chapter explores the historical and political dimensions of migration and health, tracing the ways in which migration has been shaped by global economic, political, and social forces. It examines the ways in which migration can both exacerbate and mitigate health disparities, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach that considers the social, economic, and political factors that influence health outcomes.

The second chapter examines the health consequences of migration for migrants themselves, focusing on the physical, mental, and reproductive health of individuals on the move. It explores the factors that contribute to health disparities among migrants, including access to healthcare, discrimination, and the stressors associated with migration. The chapter also highlights the resilience and coping strategies of migrants in the face of these challenges.

The third chapter examines the health implications of migration for receiving communities, focusing on the impact of migration on public health systems, healthcare workforce, and social cohesion. It explores the ways in which migration can both strain and strengthen health systems, highlighting the need for policies and practices that promote health equity and social integration.

The fourth chapter examines the role of migration in shaping global health policies and practices, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and interdisciplinary approach to addressing the health challenges of migrants. It explores the ways in which international organizations, governments, and civil society can work together to promote health and well-being for migrants and their communities.

The fifth chapter explores the challenges and opportunities of integrating migration and health research, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and the importance of engaging with diverse stakeholders. It examines the ethical considerations and methodological challenges associated with research on migration and health, and offers recommendations for building a more robust and sustainable research agenda.

In conclusion, this volume offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the complex relationship between migration and health. It highlights the need for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to understanding the health experiences of migrants and their communities, and for policies and practices that promote health equity and social integration for all. By crossing epistemic boundaries and fostering a new conversation about migration and health, this volume contributes to a more informed and compassionate understanding of the world we live in.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800735019