Cited by many (seriously check it here)
comparison complexity convivial disintegration digital methods diversification diversity dynamics diversity studies ethics fieldwork global migration integration integration policy London mainstreaming malleable concept migration channels migration studies optimisation qualitative research reflexivity relational diversity Small migrant groups social network superdiversity teaching Toronto uncertainty urban diversity urban futures urban planning
2019 |
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 | Meissner, Fran On the solidity of an amorphous social or the importance of disintegration – a response to Willem Schinkel Journal Article Forthcoming Comparative Migration Studies, Forthcoming. BibTeX | Tags: convivial disintegration, integration, relational diversity, urban futures | Links: @article{Meissner2019, title = {On the solidity of an amorphous social or the importance of disintegration \textendash a response to Willem Schinkel}, author = {Fran Meissner}, url = {https://comparativemigrationstudies.springeropen.com/}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-00-00}, journal = {Comparative Migration Studies}, keywords = {convivial disintegration, integration, relational diversity, urban futures}, pubstate = {forthcoming}, tppubtype = {article} } |
 | Meissner, Fran Growing up with difference – superdiversity as a habitual frame of reference Book Chapter Forthcoming Titzmann, Peter F; Jugert, Phillip (Ed.): Psychology Press., Youth in Multicultural Societies: New Directions for Future Research and Interventions, Forthcoming. BibTeX | Tags: comparison, diversification, global migration, superdiversity, urban futures @inbook{Meissner2019b, title = {Growing up with difference \textendash superdiversity as a habitual frame of reference}, author = {Fran Meissner}, editor = {Peter F. Titzmann and Phillip Jugert}, year = {2019}, date = {2019-00-00}, publisher = {Psychology Press.}, address = {Youth in Multicultural Societies: New Directions for Future Research and Interventions}, keywords = {comparison, diversification, global migration, superdiversity, urban futures}, pubstate = {forthcoming}, tppubtype = {inbook} } |
2018 |
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 | Meissner, Fran From integration mainstreaming to convivial disintegration: how superdiversity shows the pitfalls of (mainstreaming) immigrant integration Miscellaneous Working Paper, 2018, ISSN: 2192-2357. Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: convivial disintegration, integration policy, mainstreaming, superdiversity, uncertainty | Links: @misc{meissner2018integration, title = {From integration mainstreaming to convivial disintegration: how superdiversity shows the pitfalls of (mainstreaming) immigrant integration}, author = {Fran Meissner}, url = {http://www.mmg.mpg.de/publications/working-papers/2018/wp-18-03/}, issn = {2192-2357}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-04-23}, journal = {MMG Working Paper}, volume = {18}, number = {03}, abstract = {The emergent literature on mainstreaming immigrant integration frequently references the term superdiversity. The diversification of migration is put forward as one rational for implementing measures to support immigrant integration across policy fields and across levels of policy making. In this paper I reflect on those assertions and argue that contrarily using superdiversity is not an argument in favour of mainstreaming immigrant integration, but that instead a superdiversity lens is uniquely placed to critically examine whether the goal of mainstreaming should be integration at all. To move this argument forward I propose more concertedly thinking about the merits of better understanding convivial disintegration as a more adequate starting point for thinking through the social and economic implications of international migration and how to address them through policy interventions}, howpublished = {Working Paper}, keywords = {convivial disintegration, integration policy, mainstreaming, superdiversity, uncertainty}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {misc} } The emergent literature on mainstreaming immigrant integration frequently references the term superdiversity. The diversification of migration is put forward as one rational for implementing measures to support immigrant integration across policy fields and across levels of policy making. In this paper I reflect on those assertions and argue that contrarily using superdiversity is not an argument in favour of mainstreaming immigrant integration, but that instead a superdiversity lens is uniquely placed to critically examine whether the goal of mainstreaming should be integration at all. To move this argument forward I propose more concertedly thinking about the merits of better understanding convivial disintegration as a more adequate starting point for thinking through the social and economic implications of international migration and how to address them through policy interventions |
 | van der Meer, Maaren; Meissner, Fran; Merten, Moritz; Münderlein, Daniel Entwicklung und Potentiale digitaler Raumforschung - Ethische Fragestellungen und Impulse für die Hochschullehre Journal Article Raumplanung, 196 (2/3), pp. 20 - 27, 2018. Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: digital methods, ethics, teaching, urban planning | Links: @article{vanderMeer2018, title = {Entwicklung und Potentiale digitaler Raumforschung - Ethische Fragestellungen und Impulse f\"{u}r die Hochschullehre}, author = {Maaren van der Meer and Fran Meissner and Moritz Merten and Daniel M\"{u}nderlein}, url = {utransform.de http://www.ifr-ev.de/raumplanung/}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-04-23}, journal = {Raumplanung}, volume = {196}, number = {2/3}, pages = {20 - 27}, abstract = {A rise of digital methodspaves the way for new opportunities but also poses risks for spatial planning and research. Academic training of planners rarely supports the testing and understanding of digital research tools. In this article we analyse best-practice examples, review questions of data ethics and provide recommondations for incorporating the digital turn in academic teach practice. }, keywords = {digital methods, ethics, teaching, urban planning}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } A rise of digital methodspaves the way for new opportunities but also poses risks for spatial planning and research. Academic training of planners rarely supports the testing and understanding of digital research tools. In this article we analyse best-practice examples, review questions of data ethics and provide recommondations for incorporating the digital turn in academic teach practice. |
 | Meissner, Fran Mainstreaming and Superdiversity: Beyond More Integration Book Chapter van Breugel, Peter Scholten Ilona (Ed.): Mainstreaming Integration Governance, pp. 215-233, Springer, Cham, 2018. Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: complexity, convivial disintegration, integration policy, mainstreaming, superdiversity | Links: @inbook{meissner2018mainstreaming, title = {Mainstreaming and Superdiversity: Beyond More Integration}, author = {Fran Meissner}, editor = {Peter Scholten Ilona van Breugel}, url = {https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-59277-0_10}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-59277-0_10}, year = {2018}, date = {2018-01-01}, booktitle = {Mainstreaming Integration Governance}, pages = {215-233}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, abstract = {The emergent literature on mainstreaming immigrant integration frequently references the term ‘superdiversity’. The diversification of migration is put forward as one rationale for implementing measures to support immigrant integration across policy fields and across levels of policy making. In this chapter and against the backdrop of the book’s empirical work, I ask how else, beyond being a rationale for mainstreaming, thinking about superdiversity might add to debates about what is mainstreamed. I primarily advance the argument that a superdiversity lens is uniquely placed to critically examine whether the goal of mainstreaming should be integration and propose to consider the merits of thinking about convivial disintegration as a more adequate policy goal.}, keywords = {complexity, convivial disintegration, integration policy, mainstreaming, superdiversity}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {inbook} } The emergent literature on mainstreaming immigrant integration frequently references the term ‘superdiversity’. The diversification of migration is put forward as one rationale for implementing measures to support immigrant integration across policy fields and across levels of policy making. In this chapter and against the backdrop of the book’s empirical work, I ask how else, beyond being a rationale for mainstreaming, thinking about superdiversity might add to debates about what is mainstreamed. I primarily advance the argument that a superdiversity lens is uniquely placed to critically examine whether the goal of mainstreaming should be integration and propose to consider the merits of thinking about convivial disintegration as a more adequate policy goal. |
2017 |
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 | Meissner, Fran Legal status diversity: regulating to control and everyday contingencies Journal Article Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 44 (2), pp. 287-306, 2017. Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: diversity dynamics, integration, optimisation, regulation of migration, superdiversity | Links: @article{meissner2018legal, title = {Legal status diversity: regulating to control and everyday contingencies}, author = {Fran Meissner}, url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/1369183X.2017.1341718?needAccess=true}, doi = {10.1080/1369183X.2017.1341718}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-08-16}, journal = {Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies}, volume = {44}, number = {2}, pages = {287-306}, publisher = {Taylor & Francis}, abstract = {Tracing the link between population flux and the regulation of migration, this paper develops the argument that immigration status differentiations impact not only on categorical multiplicities but also on contingent dynamics in urban migration-related diversity. A better understanding of those contingencies is central to discussing processes of adaptation in contexts of superdiversity. I first point to the frequency of change in rules and regulations pertaining to a multiplicity of immigration statuses. I then emphasise the co-relevance of conditionalities of entry and parameters of presence, set out by those rules, as central components of legal status diversity. In a third part I consider the resulting differentiations in terms of information overload. Thinking about status differentiations as information contradicts devising ever more status tracks to order migration and optimise its economic and social implications. I then point to empirical patterns in legal status diversities emphasising spatiotemporal contingencies in admitting migrants through different immigration channels. Concurrently I highlight why the resulting patterns of change are relevant for local urban diversity dynamics. I conclude the paper by drawing parallels between on the one hand steering migration to optimise its implications and on the other hand steering adaptations in superdiverse contexts to optimise integration.}, keywords = {diversity dynamics, integration, optimisation, regulation of migration, superdiversity}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Tracing the link between population flux and the regulation of migration, this paper develops the argument that immigration status differentiations impact not only on categorical multiplicities but also on contingent dynamics in urban migration-related diversity. A better understanding of those contingencies is central to discussing processes of adaptation in contexts of superdiversity. I first point to the frequency of change in rules and regulations pertaining to a multiplicity of immigration statuses. I then emphasise the co-relevance of conditionalities of entry and parameters of presence, set out by those rules, as central components of legal status diversity. In a third part I consider the resulting differentiations in terms of information overload. Thinking about status differentiations as information contradicts devising ever more status tracks to order migration and optimise its economic and social implications. I then point to empirical patterns in legal status diversities emphasising spatiotemporal contingencies in admitting migrants through different immigration channels. Concurrently I highlight why the resulting patterns of change are relevant for local urban diversity dynamics. I conclude the paper by drawing parallels between on the one hand steering migration to optimise its implications and on the other hand steering adaptations in superdiverse contexts to optimise integration. |
2016 |
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 | Meissner, Fran Socialising with Diversity: Relational Diversity Through a Superdiversity Lens Book Palgrave Macmillan, UK, 2016, ISBN: 978-1-137-47439-1. Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: homophily, London, relational diversity, Small migrant groups, social network, superdiversity, Toronto | Links: @book{meissner2016socialising, title = {Socialising with Diversity: Relational Diversity Through a Superdiversity Lens}, author = {Fran Meissner}, url = {http://socdiv.mmg.mpg.de/}, doi = {10.1057/978-1-137-47439-1}, isbn = {978-1-137-47439-1}, year = {2016}, date = {2016-02-01}, publisher = {Palgrave Macmillan}, address = {UK}, series = {Global Diversities}, abstract = {This book analyses post-migration social networks via the notion of superdiversity. Approaching diversity as relational and complexly configured through multiple migration-related differentiations, it challenges us to rethink how we talk about and classify migrant networks. Based on research in two cities of migration - London and Toronto - the author investigates how we can use a superdiversity lens to discuss migrant networks in urban contexts. Focusing on the personal networks of Pacific Islanders and New Zealand M\={a}ori, she sheds light on the sociality practices of relatively small groups of migrants, the members of which are nonetheless differentiated in terms of superdiversity. Using cluster analytic pattern detection to explore alternative ways of describing migrant networks, she brings into play multifaceted descriptions such as city-cohort, long-term resident, superdiverse and migrant-peer networks. Visualising complex patterns of diversity, this book therefore contributes to theoretical debates by proposing a relational understanding of diversity rather than one based on the enumeration of (ethnic) categories. This book will appeal to sociologists, political scientists and all scholars interested in urban diversity, migration and diasporas.}, keywords = {homophily, London, relational diversity, Small migrant groups, social network, superdiversity, Toronto}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {book} } This book analyses post-migration social networks via the notion of superdiversity. Approaching diversity as relational and complexly configured through multiple migration-related differentiations, it challenges us to rethink how we talk about and classify migrant networks. Based on research in two cities of migration - London and Toronto - the author investigates how we can use a superdiversity lens to discuss migrant networks in urban contexts. Focusing on the personal networks of Pacific Islanders and New Zealand Māori, she sheds light on the sociality practices of relatively small groups of migrants, the members of which are nonetheless differentiated in terms of superdiversity. Using cluster analytic pattern detection to explore alternative ways of describing migrant networks, she brings into play multifaceted descriptions such as city-cohort, long-term resident, superdiverse and migrant-peer networks. Visualising complex patterns of diversity, this book therefore contributes to theoretical debates by proposing a relational understanding of diversity rather than one based on the enumeration of (ethnic) categories. This book will appeal to sociologists, political scientists and all scholars interested in urban diversity, migration and diasporas. |
 | Meissner, Fran; Vertovec, Steven (Ed.) Comparing Super-Diversity Book Routledge, 2016, ISBN: 9781138098879. Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: comparison, migration studies, superdiversity, urban diversity | Links: @book{meissner2015describing, title = {Comparing Super-Diversity}, editor = {Fran Meissner and Steven Vertovec}, url = {https://www.routledge.com/Comparing-Super-Diversity/Meissner-Vertovec/p/book/9781315687483}, isbn = {9781138098879}, year = {2016}, date = {2016-01-01}, publisher = {Routledge}, abstract = {The concept of ‘super-diversity’ has received considerable attention since it was introduced in Ethnic and Racial Studies in 2007, reflecting a broadening interest in finding new ways to talk about contemporary social complexity. This book brings together a collection of essays which empirically and theoretically examine super-diversity and the multi-dimensional shifts in migration patterns to which the notion refers. These shifts entail a worldwide diversification of migration channels, differentiations of legal statuses, diverging patterns of gender and age, and variance in migrants’ human capital. Across the contributions, super-diversity is subject to two modes of comparison: (a) side-by-side studies contrasting different places and emergent conditions of super-diversity; and (b) juxtaposed arguments that have differentially found use in utilizing or criticizing ‘super-diversity’ descriptively, methodologically or with reference to policy and public practice. The contributions discuss super-diversity and its implications in nine cities located in eight countries and four continents. This book was originally published as a special issue of Ethnic and Racial Studies.}, keywords = {comparison, migration studies, superdiversity, urban diversity}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {book} } The concept of ‘super-diversity’ has received considerable attention since it was introduced in Ethnic and Racial Studies in 2007, reflecting a broadening interest in finding new ways to talk about contemporary social complexity. This book brings together a collection of essays which empirically and theoretically examine super-diversity and the multi-dimensional shifts in migration patterns to which the notion refers. These shifts entail a worldwide diversification of migration channels, differentiations of legal statuses, diverging patterns of gender and age, and variance in migrants’ human capital. Across the contributions, super-diversity is subject to two modes of comparison: (a) side-by-side studies contrasting different places and emergent conditions of super-diversity; and (b) juxtaposed arguments that have differentially found use in utilizing or criticizing ‘super-diversity’ descriptively, methodologically or with reference to policy and public practice. The contributions discuss super-diversity and its implications in nine cities located in eight countries and four continents. This book was originally published as a special issue of Ethnic and Racial Studies. |
2015 |
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 | Meissner, Fran; Vertovec, Steven Comparing super-diversity Journal Article Ethnic and Racial Studies, 38 (4), pp. 541–555, 2015. Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: comparison, diversification, global migration, migration channels, superdiversity, urban diversity | Links: @article{meissner2015comparing, title = {Comparing super-diversity}, author = {Fran Meissner and Steven Vertovec}, doi = {10.1080/01419870.2015.980295}, year = {2015}, date = {2015-01-02}, journal = {Ethnic and Racial Studies}, volume = {38}, number = {4}, pages = {541--555}, publisher = {Taylor & Francis}, abstract = {Reflecting a broadening interest in finding new ways to talk about contemporary social complexity, the concept of ‘super-diversity’ has received considerable attention since it was introduced in this journal in 2007. Many utilizing the term have referred only to ‘more ethnicities’ rather than to the term's fuller, original intention of recognizing multidimensional shifts in migration patterns. These entail a worldwide diversification of migration channels, differentiations of legal statuses, diverging patterns of gender and age, and variance in migrants' human capital. In this special issue of Ethnic and Racial Studies, the concept is subject to two modes of comparison: (1) side-by-side studies contrasting different places and emergent conditions of super-diversity; and (2) juxtaposed arguments that have differentially found use in utilizing or criticizing super-diversity descriptively, methodologically or with reference to policy and public practice. The contributions discuss super-diversity and its implications in nine cities located in eight countries and four continents.}, keywords = {comparison, diversification, global migration, migration channels, superdiversity, urban diversity}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } Reflecting a broadening interest in finding new ways to talk about contemporary social complexity, the concept of ‘super-diversity’ has received considerable attention since it was introduced in this journal in 2007. Many utilizing the term have referred only to ‘more ethnicities’ rather than to the term's fuller, original intention of recognizing multidimensional shifts in migration patterns. These entail a worldwide diversification of migration channels, differentiations of legal statuses, diverging patterns of gender and age, and variance in migrants' human capital. In this special issue of Ethnic and Racial Studies, the concept is subject to two modes of comparison: (1) side-by-side studies contrasting different places and emergent conditions of super-diversity; and (2) juxtaposed arguments that have differentially found use in utilizing or criticizing super-diversity descriptively, methodologically or with reference to policy and public practice. The contributions discuss super-diversity and its implications in nine cities located in eight countries and four continents. |
| Meissner, Fran Migration in migration-related diversity? The nexus between superdiversity and migration studies Journal Article Ethnic and Racial Studies, 38 (4), pp. 556–567, 2015. Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: comparison, complexity, diversity studies, malleable concept, migration studies, superdiversity | Links: @article{meissner2015migration, title = {Migration in migration-related diversity? The nexus between superdiversity and migration studies}, author = {Fran Meissner}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1080/01419870.2015.970209 }, doi = {10.1080/01419870.2015.970209 }, year = {2015}, date = {2015-01-01}, journal = {Ethnic and Racial Studies}, volume = {38}, number = {4}, pages = {556--567}, publisher = {Taylor & Francis}, abstract = {This article argues that the notion of ‘superdiversity’ implies an investigation of diversity that goes well beyond the nature of migration origins and trajectories. To probe the academic value of superdiversity, I situate it within broader academic debates, suggesting that it is necessary to distinguish between superdiversity as a malleable social science concept \textendash a set of variables that researchers conjunctively investigate \textendash and superdiversity as a context in which these variables play out in complex social patterns. I argue that complexity is an integral aspect of superdiversity, before explaining how innovative research methods were used to investigate superdiversity in a dual-site project in London and Toronto in order to explore its relevance for global comparative research.}, keywords = {comparison, complexity, diversity studies, malleable concept, migration studies, superdiversity}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {article} } This article argues that the notion of ‘superdiversity’ implies an investigation of diversity that goes well beyond the nature of migration origins and trajectories. To probe the academic value of superdiversity, I situate it within broader academic debates, suggesting that it is necessary to distinguish between superdiversity as a malleable social science concept – a set of variables that researchers conjunctively investigate – and superdiversity as a context in which these variables play out in complex social patterns. I argue that complexity is an integral aspect of superdiversity, before explaining how innovative research methods were used to investigate superdiversity in a dual-site project in London and Toronto in order to explore its relevance for global comparative research. |
2014 |
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 | Participants, Bellagio Big Data Workshop Big Data and Positive Social Change in the Developing World: A White Paper for Practitioners and Researchers Miscellaneous 2014. Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: big data | Links: @misc{meissner37legal, title = {Big Data and Positive Social Change in the Developing World: A White Paper for Practitioners and Researchers}, author = {Bellagio Big Data Workshop Participants}, url = {https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/report/big-data-and-positive-social-change-in-the-developing-world/ https://assets.rockefellerfoundation.org/app/uploads/20140507222100/Big-Data-and-Positive-Social-Change-in-the-Developing-World.pdf}, year = {2014}, date = {2014-00-00}, address = {Oxford}, institution = {Oxford Internet Institute}, abstract = {This white paper was produced by a group of activists, researchers and data experts who met at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Centre to discuss the question of whether, and how, big data is becoming a resource for positive social change in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Our working definition of big data includes, but is not limited to, sources such as social media, mobile phone use, digitally mediated transactions, the online news media, and administrative records. Our analysis makes a strong case that it is time for civil society groups in particular to become part of the conversation about the power of data. These groups are the connectors between individuals and governments, corporations and governance institutions, and have the potential to promote big data analysis that is locally driven and rooted. Civil society groups are also crucially important but currently underrepresented in debates about privacy and the rights of technology users, and civil society as a whole has a responsibility for building critical awareness of the ways big data is being used to sort, categorise and intervene in LMICs by corporations, governments and other actors. Big data is shaping up to be one of the key battlefields of our era, incorporating many of the issues civil society activists worldwide have been working on for decades. We hope that this paper can inform organisations and individuals as to where their particular interests may gain traction in the debate, and what their contribution may look like.}, keywords = {big data}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {misc} } This white paper was produced by a group of activists, researchers and data experts who met at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Centre to discuss the question of whether, and how, big data is becoming a resource for positive social change in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Our working definition of big data includes, but is not limited to, sources such as social media, mobile phone use, digitally mediated transactions, the online news media, and administrative records. Our analysis makes a strong case that it is time for civil society groups in particular to become part of the conversation about the power of data. These groups are the connectors between individuals and governments, corporations and governance institutions, and have the potential to promote big data analysis that is locally driven and rooted. Civil society groups are also crucially important but currently underrepresented in debates about privacy and the rights of technology users, and civil society as a whole has a responsibility for building critical awareness of the ways big data is being used to sort, categorise and intervene in LMICs by corporations, governments and other actors. Big data is shaping up to be one of the key battlefields of our era, incorporating many of the issues civil society activists worldwide have been working on for decades. We hope that this paper can inform organisations and individuals as to where their particular interests may gain traction in the debate, and what their contribution may look like. |
2013 |
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 | Meissner, Fran Socialising with diversity: Small migrant groups, social networks and superdiversity PhD Thesis School of Global Studies, 2013. Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: London, relational diversity, Small migrant groups, superdiversity, Toronto | Links: @phdthesis{meissner2013socialising, title = {Socialising with diversity: Small migrant groups, social networks and superdiversity}, author = {Fran Meissner}, url = {http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/46693 http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/46693/1/Meissner%2C_Franziska_Venita_Mally.pdf}, year = {2013}, date = {2013-01-01}, journal = {Brighton: University of Sussex}, address = {University of Sussex}, school = {School of Global Studies}, abstract = {The notion of superdiversity demands a move beyond an ethno-focal analysis of migration related diversity and calls to analytically incorporate other aspects of diversification, including differential migration, legal status and labour market trajectories. Taking London and Toronto as field locations, this thesis investigates how a superdiversity lens can be operationalised and utilised to discuss migrant socialities in urban contexts. It methodologically explores one particular avenue for doing this - personal social network analysis - to better understand the theoretical and empirical implications of adopting a superdiversity approach. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis strategies are used and particular emphasis is on visualising complex patterns and exploring how starting with complexity as an assumption facilitates the multidimensional analysis a superdiversity lens calls for. Focusing on networks of migrants who in statistical terms are commonly categorised as 'other' - who have relatively few co-migrants in terms of place of origin but who are differentiated in terms of other superdiversity aspects - the thesis questions if and what impact small group size has on patterns of sociality. With this focus it is established that a) the numerical size of the origin group impacts on social activities differently depending on whether one small group is explicitly liked to other pan-ethnic groups or not; b) that sociality patterns of migrants emerge from the complex interplay of general socialising opportunities but are also linked to individual trajectories of migration and settlement; c) that with a superdiversity lens it is indeed possible to move beyond the ethnic network notion. To support this latter point the thesis explores four alternative ways of describing migrant networks in terms of city-cohort, long-term resident, superdiverse and migrant-peer networks. The analysis contributes to theoretical debates by proposing a rational understanding of diversity rather than one based on the enumeration of categories be they ethnic or otherwise.}, keywords = {London, relational diversity, Small migrant groups, superdiversity, Toronto}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {phdthesis} } The notion of superdiversity demands a move beyond an ethno-focal analysis of migration related diversity and calls to analytically incorporate other aspects of diversification, including differential migration, legal status and labour market trajectories. Taking London and Toronto as field locations, this thesis investigates how a superdiversity lens can be operationalised and utilised to discuss migrant socialities in urban contexts. It methodologically explores one particular avenue for doing this - personal social network analysis - to better understand the theoretical and empirical implications of adopting a superdiversity approach. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis strategies are used and particular emphasis is on visualising complex patterns and exploring how starting with complexity as an assumption facilitates the multidimensional analysis a superdiversity lens calls for. Focusing on networks of migrants who in statistical terms are commonly categorised as 'other' - who have relatively few co-migrants in terms of place of origin but who are differentiated in terms of other superdiversity aspects - the thesis questions if and what impact small group size has on patterns of sociality. With this focus it is established that a) the numerical size of the origin group impacts on social activities differently depending on whether one small group is explicitly liked to other pan-ethnic groups or not; b) that sociality patterns of migrants emerge from the complex interplay of general socialising opportunities but are also linked to individual trajectories of migration and settlement; c) that with a superdiversity lens it is indeed possible to move beyond the ethnic network notion. To support this latter point the thesis explores four alternative ways of describing migrant networks in terms of city-cohort, long-term resident, superdiverse and migrant-peer networks. The analysis contributes to theoretical debates by proposing a rational understanding of diversity rather than one based on the enumeration of categories be they ethnic or otherwise. |
2012 |
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 | Meissner, Fran; Hasselberg, Inês Forever malleable: the field as a reflexive encounter Book Chapter Hirvi, Laura; Snellman, Hanna (Ed.): Where is the field?: The experience of migration viewed through the prism of ethnographic fieldwork, pp. 87-106, Finnish Literature Society, 2012. Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: comparison, fieldwork, qualitative research, reflexivity | Links: @inbook{meissner2012forever, title = {Forever malleable: the field as a reflexive encounter}, author = {Fran Meissner and In\^{e}s Hasselberg}, editor = {Laura Hirvi and Hanna Snellman}, url = {https://oa.finlit.fi/site/books/10.21435/sfe.14/download/1997/ }, year = {2012}, date = {2012-01-01}, booktitle = {Where is the field?: The experience of migration viewed through the prism of ethnographic fieldwork}, pages = {87-106}, publisher = {Finnish Literature Society}, abstract = {In recent social science debates on the practice of fieldwork, one overarching concern has been that complex social phenomena, in an interconnected world, need to be studied with research methods that can generate data which make this complexity more accessible to academic debate. Of concern in this paper are the assumptions and expectations of ‘the field’ in research with migrants, or more precisely with people who have moved. These are connected to issues of professional and disciplinary authority, of distancing and otherness, and of course to the development of a workable field site. As has repeatedly been established, the field is no longer easily found, and we reflect on this from the perspective of two quite distinct research projects focused on the one hand on experiences of deportablity and on the other hand on the social networks of migrants from small groups in cities of evident migration-driven diversity.}, keywords = {comparison, fieldwork, qualitative research, reflexivity}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {inbook} } In recent social science debates on the practice of fieldwork, one overarching concern has been that complex social phenomena, in an interconnected world, need to be studied with research methods that can generate data which make this complexity more accessible to academic debate. Of concern in this paper are the assumptions and expectations of ‘the field’ in research with migrants, or more precisely with people who have moved. These are connected to issues of professional and disciplinary authority, of distancing and otherness, and of course to the development of a workable field site. As has repeatedly been established, the field is no longer easily found, and we reflect on this from the perspective of two quite distinct research projects focused on the one hand on experiences of deportablity and on the other hand on the social networks of migrants from small groups in cities of evident migration-driven diversity. |
2009 |
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 | Sveinsson, Kjartan Páll; Meissner, Franziska; Sims, Jessica Mai Surrey Street Market -The Heart of the Community Miscellaneous report, 2009, ISBN: 978-1-906732-24-0 . Abstract | BibTeX | Tags: | Links: @misc{sveinsson2009surrey, title = {Surrey Street Market -The Heart of the Community}, author = {Kjartan P\'{a}ll Sveinsson and Franziska Meissner and Jessica Mai Sims}, url = {https://www.runnymedetrust.org/news/83/163/Surrey-Street-Market.html https://www.runnymedetrust.org/uploads/publications/pdfs/SurreyStreetMarket-2009.pdf }, isbn = {978-1-906732-24-0 }, year = {2009}, date = {2009-01-01}, abstract = {In reflecting on the changing nature of ethnic diversity in Britain, it becomes increasingly clear that we have to move beyond binary notions of white and non-white to explain the ways in which racisms operate, identities are formed and people live out their lives. The societies in which we live are becoming more diverse and will continue to diversify as migration patterns change, and the impacts of globalization are reflected in labour markets as well as in transnational movement of capital. This series of community studies aims to promote understanding of the diversity within and between different ethnic groups. Our intention is to build up a collection of studies which focus on communities; their demography, links to civil society, and key political and social issues. We hope that over time this will provide a rich resource for understanding how diversity is lived and experienced away from the necessarily crude ethnic monitoring form, in a vital and dynamic multiethnic society.}, howpublished = {report}, keywords = {}, pubstate = {published}, tppubtype = {misc} } In reflecting on the changing nature of ethnic diversity in Britain, it becomes increasingly clear that we have to move beyond binary notions of white and non-white to explain the ways in which racisms operate, identities are formed and people live out their lives. The societies in which we live are becoming more diverse and will continue to diversify as migration patterns change, and the impacts of globalization are reflected in labour markets as well as in transnational movement of capital. This series of community studies aims to promote understanding of the diversity within and between different ethnic groups. Our intention is to build up a collection of studies which focus on communities; their demography, links to civil society, and key political and social issues. We hope that over time this will provide a rich resource for understanding how diversity is lived and experienced away from the necessarily crude ethnic monitoring form, in a vital and dynamic multiethnic society. |
