Chapter 18 Entrepreneurial and Transnational Socialization among Descendants of Chinese Migrants

A Cross-Country Study on New Transnational Mobilities between Europe and China

In: Handbook of Chinese Migration to Europe
Authors:
Irene Masdeu Torruella
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Simeng Wang
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Type:
Chapter
Pages:
526–552
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004712140_020

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Abstract

The rise of China on the global economic and geopolitical stage has prompted crucial transformations in transnational mobility and international relationships between Europe and China, which are significant for Chinese migrants’ descendants in Europe. Although the transnational relationships with their parents’ country of origin during childhood have been documented by numerous researchers, less attention has been paid to the new mobilities undertaken by young adults of Chinese origin. Based on a multi-sited ethnographic study carried out in Spain, France, and China, this chapter analyses the mobility from Europe to China undertaken by migrants’ adult descendants for study and work. We argue that their transnational socialization, together with their families’ entrepreneurial backgrounds and the rise of the Chinese economy, may lead some descendants to move to their parents’ country of origin. Beyond the economic motivations, we also analyse the symbolic meaning of these mobilities to the intergenerational relationships within the family. This new flow of migration to China offers migrants’ children a space to rethink their identities in light of their transnational socialization.

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Series:  Brill Handbooks of Chinese Overseas, Volume: 01
Cover Handbook of Chinese Migration to Europe
E-Book ISBN:
9789004712140
Publisher:
Brill
Print Publication Date:
26 Nov 2024
Front Matter
Introduction
Part 1 Statistical Data on Chinese Populations in Europe
Part 2 Migration Motivations and Pathways
Part 3 China as a Diaspora State
Part 4 Economic Opportunities and Ethnic Entrepreneurship
Part 5 Socialization and Intersecting Inequalities
Part 6 Identity Constructions and Cultural Representations
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