From Field to Concept: The Example of Senegalese Multisited Villages

Abstract

Contemporary transformations of international migration create new challenges for the social sciences. The dynamics at work require new theoretical and analytical tools to improve the understanding of such phenomena. Several concepts have been brought into the debate over the past twenty years. Based on research on international migration in Senegal, I came to the conclusion that it was possible to increase our understanding of migration issues by using the concept of ‘multisited village’. This concept captures long-term processes, as well as multifaceted links through space. Although it does not fully capture the migration phenomenon, it gives an unusual perspective. It can be applied to multiple geographical, cultural and social contexts.

Keywords:

• Migration
• International Migration
• Migration Theory
• Senegal
• African Migration
• Migration Dynamics

Notes

[1] The village name is withheld to protect the anonymity of the individuals.