MIGRATION IN FAR WEST NEPAL

Abstract

In this reply to Ronald Skeldon's comment on their article, “Migration in Far West Nepal” (Critical Asian Studies 43 (1) 2011), the authors stress the need to overcome the categorical dichotomy between “international” and “internal” migration by thoroughly considering the conditions and characteristics different types of cross-border regimes encompass for migrants. They furthermore argue that choosing the “right” theoretical approach or conceptual framework depends on the kinds of research questions that need to be answered. By understanding migration as a social practice, the authors favor a multi-dimensional approach to migration, one that does not place economic motives over others. Ultimately, they call for a reconciliation of different—competing—perspectives on migration.

Notes

^1. Skeldon 2011, 312.

^2. The Schengen area and cooperation are founded on the Schengen Agreement of 1985 and were incorporated into the framework of the European Union (EU) in 1999. “The Schengen area represents a territory where the free movement of persons is guaranteed. The signatory states to the agreement have abolished all internal borders in lieu of a single external border.” (See europa.eu/documentation/legislation/index_en.htm “Schengen Agreement”; accessed 12 June 2011).

^3. Skeldon 2011, 312.

^4. NIDS 2007, 7–8; NIDS 2010, 37–38.

^5. Kansakar 2003, 113.

^7. Bourdieu 1986, 47

^6. Skeldon 2011, 312.

^8. Ibid., 51.

^9. Skeldon 2011, 312–13.

^10. Ibid.

^11. See also Bourdieu 1984.

^12. Skeldon 2011, 313.

^13. See also Massey et al. 1994, 700.

^14. Skeldon 2011, 315.

^15. The application of Bourdieu's theory of practice has been suggested by different authors, including De Haan and Zoomers 2005; Dörfler, Graefe, and Müller-Mahn 2003; Herzig and Thieme 2007; and Thieme 2006, 2008).

^16. Skeldon 2011, 313.

^17. Castles and Miller 2009, 24; Massey et al. 1993, 436.

^18. Skeldon 2011, 313.

^19. Cf. Massey et al. 1993, 440.

^20. See for instance Castles and Miller 2009, 27–33.

^21. In line with Massey et al. 1993.