A Shift in Perspective

Migration studies have often been destination-focused, overlooking origin countries' historical, social, and political dynamics. This workshop sought to bridge that gap by contextualizing migration within broader histories of colonialism, slavery, exploitation, and uneven development. Participants examined how authoritarian regimes and illiberal democracies with high out-migration rates are rewriting their histories, often marginalizing mobile populations and mixed migration streams.

Engaging Dialogue and Practical Support

The event featured presentations from early career researchers who explored case studies from up to seven high-out-migration countries: Tajikistan, Indonesia, Nepal, India, Morocco, Ecuador, and Turkey. Their work was enriched by discussions with senior scholars and historians specializing in migration studies from the University of Amsterdam and the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam.

The workshop concluded with a session led by a grant advisor from the AISSR, offering insights into preparing competitive research proposals. Participants gained valuable feedback on their grant ideas and explored potential funding opportunities.

Key Takeaways

• Highlighting the intersection of social history and migration studies enriched the discussion on migration’s root causes.
• The workshop emphasized the need to move beyond rigid categorizations of refugees and labor migrants and focus instead on mixed migration and transregional mobility.
• Early career researchers received practical support and guidance to strengthen their academic careers.
• This workshop fostered interdisciplinary dialogue and underscored the need to historicize migration studies, contributing to a more holistic understanding of migration from the perspective of origin countries.

The ARC-M Migration Dialogue Group looks forward to continuing these vital conversations in future events.