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The Problem With Similarity: Ethnic Affinity Migrants In Spain, David Cook-Martín, Anahi Viladrich
The Problem With Similarity: Ethnic Affinity Migrants In Spain, David Cook-Martín, Anahi Viladrich
David Cook-Martín
Politics that give a privileged migratory or citizenship status to individuals abroad because of presumed common origins with a granting state’s people foster the expectation that ethnic affinity facilitates social and economic integration. However, a growing literature has documented a mismatch between the social and the economic expectations of people defined as co-ethnics by these policies. Relying on a study of Spanish-descent Argentines who have ‘returned’ to Spain, we argue that the effect of perceived ethnic affinities varies by social context. While ethnic similarity with natives may offer an advantage to migrants in search of housing or educational opportunities, it …