The Immobility Turn: Mobility, Migration and the COVID-19 Pandemic

The book "The Immobility Turn: The End of Mobility Expansionism and its Consequences" explores the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the areas of tourism, international education, and migration. It provides valuable insights into the impact of the pandemic on institutions and individuals and informs policy-making processes on a global scale.

Format: Hardback
Length: 130 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant transformations, with societies experiencing lockdowns and border controls aimed at mitigating the spread of the virus. This book delves into these changes, focusing on the aftermath of mobility expansionism, which had been a dominant trend in recent years. Through an empirical examination of Portugal, a geopolitically significant point of intersection within Europe and between the Global South and Global North, the book explores the consequences of the apparent end of mobility expansionism. It develops a novel theoretical concept called the "immobility turn," which sheds light on the profound impacts of the pandemic on institutions and individuals, particularly in the tourist industry, universities hosting international students, and migration agencies. By providing invaluable insights into the experiences of these sectors, the book contributes to shaping policy-making processes on a global scale.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on societies worldwide, leading to the implementation of lockdowns and border controls in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. This book examines the changes that have taken place in the aftermath of this pandemic, particularly in the realm of mobility.

Mobility expansionism, which had been a dominant trend in recent years, has been significantly disrupted by the pandemic. The closure of borders, travel restrictions, and social distancing measures have limited the ability of people to move freely across borders, leading to a decline in international travel and tourism.

The book explores the consequences of this decline in mobility, focusing on three key sectors: the tourist industry, universities hosting international students, and migration agencies. These sectors were particularly vulnerable to the impacts of the pandemic, as they relied on international mobility for their operations and revenue.

The tourist industry, for example, has been hit hard by the pandemic, with many hotels, restaurants, and tour operators forced to close their doors due to travel restrictions and reduced demand. This has resulted in significant job losses and economic hardship for many people who rely on the tourism industry for their livelihood.

Universities hosting international students have also been affected by the pandemic, with many students being forced to return home or transfer to other institutions due to travel restrictions and the closure of campuses. This has led to a decline in enrollment and revenue for universities, as well as challenges for students who are unable to complete their studies.

Migration agencies have also been impacted by the pandemic, as they have been unable to facilitate the movement of people across borders due to travel restrictions and social distancing measures. This has resulted in delays in immigration processes and increased costs for migrants, as well as challenges for those seeking asylum or refugee status.

The book offers valuable insights into the impacts of the pandemic on these three sectors, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities that have emerged. It also develops a novel theoretical concept called the "immobility turn," which suggests that the pandemic has led to a shift in the way we think about mobility and its implications for society.

The immobility turn emphasizes the importance of localized and regional mobility, as well as the need to prioritize the well-being and safety of individuals and communities. It suggests that the pandemic has highlighted the interconnectedness of different regions and the importance of collaboration and cooperation in addressing global challenges.

The book also offers practical recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders in these sectors, including strategies for recovery and resilience, as well as ways to promote sustainable and inclusive mobility. It emphasizes the need for policymakers to consider the long-term impacts of the pandemic on these sectors and to develop policies that support their recovery and growth.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in the realm of mobility, with societies the closure of borders, travel restrictions, and social distancing measures have limited the ability of people to move freely across borders, leading to a decline in international travel and tourism. This book explores the consequences of this decline in mobility, focusing on three key sectors: the tourist industry, universities hosting international students, and migration agencies. It offers valuable insights into the impacts of the pandemic on these sectors, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities that have emerged. It also develops a novel theoretical concept called the "immobility turn," which suggests that the pandemic has led to a shift in the way the way we think about mobility and its implications for society. The immobility turn emphasizes the importance of localized and regional mobility, as well as the need to prioritize the well-being and safety of individuals and communities. It suggests that the pandemic has highlighted the interconnectedness of different regions and the importance of collaboration and cooperation in addressing global challenges. The book also offers practical recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders in these sectors, including strategies for recovery and resilience, as well as ways to promote sustainable and inclusive mobility. It emphasizes the need for policymakers to consider the long-term impacts of the pandemic on these sectors and to develop policies that support their recovery and growth.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529230055