The Process of Migration and the Reinvention of Self: The Experiences of Returning Irish Emigrants

摘要: IRISH migration at the end of twentieth century encompasses complex and multidimensional processes. Whereas Irish emigrants were once drawn almost exclusively from agricultural laborer classes, in closing decades emigration came to permeate entire social system. Thus, migrants are be found not just among ranks skilled semi-skilled labor, but also transnational professional elite that crisscrosses globe. Current trends suggest a radical departure pattern has characterized demography for more than two centuries. Nowadays, people entering Ireland leaving, bringing country's migratory profile into line with its European partners. Indeed, government agencies currently engaged campaigns recruit non-national immigrants key labor market niches attract home. Furthermore, there been significant increase numbers non-nationals seeking asylum over last ten years. The study meaning context unprecedented buoyancy economy directs us new concerns about multiculturalism, immigration policy practices, Ireland's position global economy, relationship between diaspora homeland. This article is based on set qualitative interviews involving cross-section who left 1980s returned 1990s. Particular attention paid their motivations leaving experiences abroad terms personal development. Analysis data reveals these returners have able exercise considerable autonomy making decisions careers, many instances they used time reinvent themselves career trajectory. Yet, back quest "community" better "quality life," both which become elusive fragmented deeply individualized society underpins "Celtic Tiger." EMIGRATION TRENDS AND RETURN MIGRATION In sixty years after foundation State, average lost 0.5 percent population annually through net emigration. 1950s, rate rose 1.5 population, outflow was previously surpassed only 1840s 1880s. (1) post-1958 opening up foreign investment brought growth rise living standards. Average annual fell 43,000 per annum 1956 1961 16,000 1966, 11,000 1966 1971. corresponds drop an gross 14.8 3.7 population. (2) Between 1971 1979, first experienced immigration, reversing two-centuries old trend. Arrivals exceeded departures by 109,000 people, mainly due returning Britain take advantage opportunities resurgent economy. But, significantly, persisted even this period 15 24 age group men 25 34 group. (3) That suggests newly created jobs went them skills experience, while youth continued seek work abroad. relative prosperity marked 1960s 1970s short-lived and, mid-1980s, unemployment increasing. nearly 34,000 i986 1990. (4) As began inexorably 1980s, focus shifted away toward burgeoning diasporic communities United States elsewhere. …