In times of globalization, labor markets appear to be the last remaining strong-hold of the nation-state: States decide whether migrants are allowed to enter, whether they may work in which profession and where they should settle. But is this really so? Can states effectively regulate migration considering the immensity of cross-border connectivity, travel and work in the informal economy? And do states really want to curb migration, when autochthonous populations age and both skilled and unskilled labor from abroad is actually needed?
The seminar will introduce you to current research on migration and migration regulation in Europe. We will then go on to consider sociological theories on transnationalization and the ethnic (and gendered) segmentation of labor markets in preparation for our fieldwork excursion to the ethnic bridal gown industry in Duisburg-Marxloh. |
