Political_participation_JEMS_SRO.pdf (124.19 kB)
Political participation and dual identification among migrants
This article contributes to understanding how collective identification as well as institutional factors affects migrants’ democratic engagement. In particular, it analyses variations in patterns of voting behaviour at local elections among migrants living in two municipalities: Malmö (Sweden) and Ealing (London, UK). Empirically, the article compares the responses of Somalis and Poles (N: 68) with regard to (i) their democratic participation in the society of residence and (ii) their perceived identification with their in-group and with Sweden and the UK, respectively. Using narrative analysis to understand the impact of collective identification and of the political context on migrants’ voting behaviour, the article will show that favourable institutional and discursive structures of opportunities can formally enable migrants to democratically engage with the society they live in. However, political opportunity structures are not enough to mobilise migrant groups. A dual identification with the recipient society and their in-group promotes a sense of entitlement to political rights and positively affects participation in local elections.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Journal of Ethnic and Migration StudiesISSN
1369-183XPublisher
Taylor & FrancisExternal DOI
Issue
8Volume
41Page range
1214-1234Department affiliated with
- International Development Publications
Research groups affiliated with
- Sussex Centre for Migration Research Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2017-02-08First Open Access (FOA) Date
2018-05-24First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2019-07-02Usage metrics
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