Ronit Lentin and Elena Moreo
ISBN-10: 0230300626 ISBN-13: 978-0230300620
Employing the term ‘migrant-led activism’ to encompass a range of activities and policy interventions that migrant-led groups in Ireland engage in, this book critically analyzes the interaction between migrant activists and leaders and the state of the Republic of Ireland – a late player in Europe’s immigration regime. The book, by a team of researchers based in Trinity College Dublin, Ireland,sets outan evidence-based critique of state and societal discourses of integration to provide a nuanced migrant-inspired discussion of processes of ‘integration from below’ against the background of an increasingly restrictive immigration regime.
Through lobbying, advocacy, outreach, information, support, as well as campaigns against racism and discriminations, the migrant-led associations discussed in this book not only provide essential services but also participate in policy debates around issues that affect migrants, implement strategies of cultural adaptation and resistance, create opportunities for individual and community advancement, and provide a platform for disadvantaged segments of the population to become visible. The migrant-led associations studied all aim at facilitating migrants’ integration from below’ in Ireland, displaying a community oriented focus.
Book review:
‘This collection addresses an area that has only marginal attention in the burgeoning literature on immigration and integration in Ireland. The essays produce important new insights into the politics of migrant civil society activism and provide a significant starting point for the writing of migrant activism into the narratives of immigration and settlement in Ireland… Overall this collection is an engaging and thought-provoking intervention in debates about the politics and practice of migrant integration in Ireland (and beyond). By focusing on ‘integration from below’ the activities and perspectives of migrants themselves are brought to bear across the chapters in a fresh and urgent way’.
Breda Gray, University of Limerick. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 2012
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/01419870.2012.748213#.UZpYHNlwi-g
You must be logged in to post a comment.