Remittances as Social Practices and Agents of Change: The Future of Transnational Society

Remittances are conceptualized as flows of money, objects, ideas, traditions, and symbolic capital that effect social change in places of origin and destination. This book challenges the remittance mantra and reveals dependencies and frictions in remittance relations, highlighting their effects on social cohesion and social rupture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 465 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This open-access book delves into the profound impact of remittances, which are conceptualized as the movement of money, objects, ideas, traditions, and symbolic capital across international borders. These flows create a cross-border space where individuals live, work, and engage in various forms of communication, carrying with them a diverse range of belongings. By traversing these boundaries, remittances exert a significant influence on social change, both in the places of origin and destination. However, their ability to enhance individual living conditions and improve community infrastructure primarily stems from the broader global inequality that exists.

In order to challenge the prevailing remittance mantra and expand our understanding beyond the migration-development-nexus, we examine the intricate dependencies and frictions within remittance relations. This scrutiny reveals the multifaceted effects of remittances on social cohesion and social rupture. By highlighting the transformative effects of remittances in the contexts of conflict, climate change, and the postcolonial, we shed light on the future of transnational society.

To facilitate this exploration, the book presents empirical case studies drawn from diverse regions, including Ghana, Burkina Faso, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Turkey, Lebanon, the United States, Japan, and various European countries. These case studies encompass a range of disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, history, design, architecture, governance, and peace studies. By integrating perspectives from these various fields, the book offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of remittance relations.

Through its comprehensive analysis, this book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of remittances and their role in shaping global economies, cultures, and social structures. It underscores the importance of recognizing the multifaceted effects of remittances and exploring innovative strategies to harness their potential for positive change. As we navigate the rapidly evolving global landscape, understanding the role of remittances in shaping our interconnected world is crucial for building more inclusive and sustainable societies.

Weight: 733g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030815035
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023