The multiple migratory returns: an interdisciplinary approach from the Cuban social sciences
Keywords:
return migration, typology of migratory return, CubaAbstract
Introduction: The study fills a scientific and practical gap in Social Sciences knowledge on return migration. With an innovative perspective, it contributes to transforming conceptions of return practices. How is the diversity of migratory return to Cuba expressed from an integrative interdisciplinary approach?
Objectives: To develop an interdisciplinary theoretical-methodological proposal in order to study return migration to Cuba; to explain the diversity of return practices in the current Cuban reality, as well as the characteristics of this process.
Methods: The research took place between 2021 and 2023, using mixed methodology, in two concurrent stages, with qualitative predominance. The theory used is based on a phenomenological design, providing means to generate theories that emerge directly from everyday life and recurs with the practical experiences that involves returning. The fieldwork used official statistics on resettled emigrants and 62 case studies.
Results: It was defined the main characteristics of the return migration process to Cuba; it was elaborated the profile of mostly young and adult returnees; it was established that there are more men than women, residing in all provinces with greater concentration in the capital, coming mainly from the United States of America. Elaboration of a typology of return practices applied to the Cuban context.
Conclusions: The typology developed on multidimensional return is novel and useful for integrating diversity of experiences and daily practices. Favorable perceptions about returning, whether temporary or permanent, mainly for family motivations, but conditional on economic improvements. The evident articulation between academia and politics recommends virtual implicit returns and updating migration policies.
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