Return and transnationalism

Abstract

This chapter provides a systematic analysis of the linkages between return and transnationalism. First, I define different types of return, including return mobilities, imaginary return and return migration. Second, I lay out the different elements of transnationalism by focusing on the behavioural and emotional dimensions. Next, bringing these two together, I discuss how different types of return can be considered as an element, a determinant and a consequence of transnational (social, economic and political) engagements and belonging. Accordingly, I propose two conceptual models relating to return migration and reintegration processes. In so doing, I discuss the existing literature but also propose new lines of research that can help to further examine how return and transnationalism are related.