Editorial: “Mediterranean thinking” for mapping a Mediterranean migration research agenda

Zapata Barrero, Ricard

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40878-019-0170-2

Editorial: “Mediterranean thinking” for mapping a Mediterranean migration research agenda

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Zapata-Barrero R. Editorial: “Mediterranean thinking” for mapping a Mediterranean migration research agenda. Comp Migr Stud. 2020 Feb 10;8:6. DOI: 10.1186/s40878-019-0170-2

Abstract

The Mediterranean is paradoxically, rarely considered a category of analysis in most Mediterranean migration research. If it were to be taken as a geographical, regional and geo-political area, it could provide migration studies a particular framework of comparison, a much needed structure for the dispersed research currently being carried out. After drawing the main contours of “Mediterranean thinking” in migration studies and defending a postcolonial account against Eurocentric views, I review the main theoretical frameworks for formulating such criticisms. Additionally, I propose how in the coming years we may be able to further develop this Med-Thinking in migration studies. A base from which a Mediterranean migration research agenda could be built with “multiple voices” contributing to Mediterranean regional building. Finally, I place this excursus as main background of the different contributions of this Special Issue.