Journey’s End? Old Age in France’s Migrant Worker Hostels

摘要: This chapter elaborates the book’s central research question. The current state-of-the art in return migration theory holds that ‘geographically single’ male migrants who are retired or economically inactive will be among most likely candidates for to countries of origin older age. However, behaviour population which this book is devoted – North and West African men living migrant worker hostels France puzzling respect. men’s preference regular back-and-forth circulation over definitive wives children places calls into question state-of-the-art. Firstly, hostel residents’ challenges assumptions ‘myth return’ literature, explains non-return on basis family localisation. Secondly, insofar as it irrational from a neo-classical economics perspective. remain unmoved by financial incentives homewards, where their French state pensions would have far greater purchasing power. paradox becomes yet more unexpected when one considers cramped accommodation, ill-adapted needs people, elect grow old, shown photo essay concludes chapter.