Mediterranean thinking in migration studies: a methodological regionalism approach

Zapata Barrero, Ricard

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/imig.12995

Mediterranean thinking in migration studies: a methodological regionalism approach

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Zapata-Barrero R. Mediterranean thinking in migration studies: a methodological regionalism approach. International Migration. 2023 Apr;61(2):198-211. DOI: 10.1111/imig.12995

Abstract

The core reflection of this article is to explore the potential of using the Mediterranean as a category of analysis for migration studies, what epistemological and ontological effects this may have and how this could be done. To better capture this focus, I will speak about Med-Thinking. This Mediterranean scale of analysis invites us to follow methodological regionalism. In practice, this means that we need to encourage scholars to channel their findings towards the development of a Mediterranean approach. To develop an integrative and reflexive regional approach, I will first point out the background premises of such a normative effort and second, I will present the main analytical tools framing this Med-Thinking approach by articulating four main dimensions: epistemic solipsism, holism, homeostatic and positive thinking on migration. In the end, I will suggest some paths to promote the continued application of the Med-Thinking approach for the development of Mediterranean migration studies.