Migration, Urbanity and Cosmopolitanism in a Globalized World

This book explores the relationship between cosmopolitanism and urbanity in a global context, highlighting the role of migrants as actors of urban change and targets of urban policies. It reconciles empirical and normative approaches to cosmopolitanism and addresses issues such as superdiversity, urban stratification, and local incorporation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This open-access book creates a theoretically fruitful triangle between urban studies, theories of cosmopolitanism, and migration studies in a global context. It offers a distinctive, comprehensive, and situated perspective on the diverse relationships between cosmopolitanism and urbanity in the contemporary world. By drawing on a diverse range of cities across Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America, it challenges the Eurocentric bias that has dominated discussions on cosmopolitanism since its inception. The contributions emphasize the crucial role of migrants as agents of urban change and recipients of urban policies, thus reconciling empirical and normative approaches to cosmopolitanism. By exploring topics such as cosmopolitanism and urban geographies of power, locations, and temporalities of subaltern cosmopolites, political meanings and effects of cosmopolitan practices and discourses in urban contexts, it revisits contemporary debates on superdiversity, urban stratification, and local incorporation. Furthermore, it assesses the role of migration and mobility in globalization and social change.

Introduction:
The study of cities has long been a central focus of urban studies, as they are the primary sites of human settlement and economic activity. However, in recent years, the study of cities has expanded to include a broader range of factors, including globalization, migration, and cultural diversity. This has led to the development of new theories and approaches to understanding the complex relationships between cities and their inhabitants.

Theories of Cosmopolitanism:
One of the key theoretical frameworks that have emerged in recent years is cosmopolitanism. Cosmopolitanism is a concept that refers to the idea of a global community of individuals who are connected by shared values, beliefs, and practices. Cosmopolitans are individuals who are aware of and engaged with the world around them, and who are committed to promoting social justice, human rights, and the well-being of all people.

Migration Studies:
Migration is another important factor that has shaped the study of cities in recent years. Migration is the movement of people from one place to another, often in search of better economic opportunities, political stability, or a safer environment. Migration can have significant impacts on cities, both positive and negative. On the positive side, migration can bring new ideas, skills, and cultural practices to cities, which can lead to economic growth and cultural diversity. On the negative side, migration can also lead to social tensions, cultural clashes, and economic inequality.

Urban Studies and Cosmopolitanism:
The relationship between urban studies and cosmopolitanism is complex and multifaceted. Urban studies can contribute to our understanding of cosmopolitanism by examining the ways in which cities are shaped by global processes such as globalization, migration, and cultural diversity. Urban studies can also help us to understand the challenges and opportunities that arise from these processes, such as the development of new urban forms, the emergence of new social movements, and the creation of new spaces for cultural expression.

Migration Studies and Urban Policies:
Migration studies can also inform urban policies by providing insights into the needs and experiences of migrants. Migration studies can help policymakers to develop policies that are more inclusive and equitable, and that take into account the diverse needs and perspectives of different communities. For example, migration studies can help policymakers to develop policies that address the issue of housing affordability, access to healthcare, and education for migrants.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the study of cities has become increasingly important in the context of a globalized world. Theories of cosmopolitanism and migration studies provide valuable insights into the complex relationships between cities and their inhabitants. By examining the ways in which cities are shaped by global processes and the experiences of migrants, we can develop more inclusive and equitable urban policies that promote the well-being of all people.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 160 x 241 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030673642
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021