European Encounters : Migrants, Migration and European Societies Since 1945

Beginning with an historical perspective on the reasons for migration and emigration into Europe, the contributors to this volume explore the consequences of migration into Europe in the post-1945 era.

This book reminds us of Europe''s multi-faceted history of expulsions, flight, and labour migration and the extent to which European history since 1945 is a history of migration. While immigration and ethnic plurality have often been divisive issues, encounters between Europeans and newcomers have also played an important part in the development of a European identity. The authors analyze questions of individual and collective identities, political responses to migration, and the way in which migrants and migratory movements have been represented, both by migrants themselves and their respective host societies. The book''s distinctive multi-disciplinary and international approach brings together experts from several fields including history, sociology, anthropology and political science. ’European Encounters’ will serve as an invaluable tool for students of contemporary European history, migration, and ethnic identities.