Mapping the qualitative migration research in Europe: an exploratory analysis

Abstract

As the dynamics of migration in Europe has been continuously changing, diverse empirical, theoretical, and methodological challenges have defined the landscape of migration research. This paper aims to reflect on the current state and overtime development of Qualitative Migration Research in Europe (QMR-E). For this purpose, we have conducted paper-by-paper analysis on original articles published between 2000 and 2016 in the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies (JEMS) and Ethnic and Racial Studies (ERS), two leading peer-reviewed journals in the field of migration research. Through this overtime analysis, we mapped the continuities and changes taking place in QMR-E with respect to their qualitative research methods, designs, research sites and groups, multi-level of analysis, and topics. In this respect, we aim to identify the dominant trends and existent gaps in QMR-E literature and invite scholars to further develop the existing research agenda and to engage in new research directions.