240539 SE Dynamics of Migration and Mixedness in Spain (P4) (2017S)

In recent years, Spain has experienced a massive increase in international immigration, rapidly becoming a country of immigration and 'super-diversity' at an unprecedented speed worldwide. In this context, evaluating the interaction between the native population and the immigrant population, as well as how these dynamics relate to social integration and cohesion, is key.

First, the course will deal with migration dynamics in Spain, past and present: the causes of the change in Spanish migratory patterns, the current demographic patterns and trends (particularly in Catalonia, the region of Spain that has the most immigrants), and current debates around managing immigration and diversity. Second, the course will focus on one of the key indicators of immigrant integration: 'mixedness,' an encompassing concept that refers to mixed couples, families and individuals, together with the sociocultural processes involved; this reality of mixedness has increased in Spain in parallel with the increase in, and internationalisation of, immigration. Drawing on pioneering mixed-methods research in Spain on the relationship between mixedness and sociocultural integration, conducted by the INMIX research group led by Dr. Rodríguez-García, this course will offer information on the following topics: (1) the theoretical context of 'mixedness,' (2) demographic patterns of intermarriage (i.e., partnering across national, ethno-cultural or religious boundaries) and mixed families, (3) the relationship between mixedness and integration, (4) everyday life and transnational dynamics in mixed families, (5) social attitudes towards mixing, (6) identity processes of the descendants of mixed families, and (7) experiences of discrimination/exclusion. Does intermarriage lead to the greater sociocultural integration and upward social mobility of immigrants and children of mixed unions? Does the formation of mixed/hybrid identities resulting from mixed unions lead to new understandings of national identity? What changes take place in the sociocultural domain of inter-ethnic families, and to what extent are values, norms and practices changed? Do mixed couples or their descendants experience discrimination, and are there differences in this respect according to origin, gender or social class? These are some of the questions that will be explored in this course.