Conceptualising Space in Transnational Migration Studies. A Critical Perspective

This paper argues that space is a crucial dimension of study when studying migration and

mobility. However, the conceptualisation of space, and how people “produce”

transnational social space through their everyday cross-border actions, remain

insufficiently explored in studies of transnational migration. After critically reviewing the

literature, the paper raises the question of what could be a conceptually adequate and

empirically practicable approach to examine space in studies of transnational migration and

mobility. It proposes a conceptual model comprising three interrelated dimensions of

analysis: materiality, social practice, and meaning.