Autor/es
Descripción
ver mas
Colaborador
Novick, Susana
Materias
Temporal Coverage
1986-2015
Idioma
spa
Extent
284 p.
Derechos
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
Atribución-NoComercial-SinDerivadas 2.0 Genérica (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Formato
application/pdf
Identificador
Cobertura
USA
1986-2015
ARG
1986-2015
Abstract
This thesis aims to investigate which mechanisms —associated with the scientific system and field— promoted and framed the migratory process of adults (between 34 and 55 years old) who carried out their Exact and Natural Sciences doctoral studies or posdoctoral research in the United States, between 1986 and 2013, and then returned to Argentina. A qualitative methodological strategy was implemented in order to contribute to the skilled migration debate which shows a prevalence of quantitative research that measures the magnitude of these flows. This research worked with an intentional sample and forty semi-structured interviews were conducted: thirty-four with people with the experience described; three with people with the same profile, but another destination to reflect on the movements through another lens and three with key informants, experts in this subject. Therefore, this research sought to contribute to the long tradition of migratory studies and to examine: the motives, incentives and mechanisms to migrate; the experience abroad and the one corresponding to the return migration; the relational dimension of this phenomenon; the influence of the position the agent occupies in the field and the pursue of scientific capital; the discussions regarding the main approaches of skilled migration, and the assessment and evaluation of relevant skilled migration policies.
The empirical evidence was analyzed through the constant comparison method and it was presented with a temporal logic in order to understand the path followed by the subjects under study, which is not necessarily linear or homogeneous. In this regard, this research outlined four consecutive stages, each one associated with: i) the training process in their country of origin; ii) the migration project; iii) the academic and daily life experience in the US; iv) the return to Argentina and the professional insertion. It discusses: i) the main theoretical perspectives of skilled migration and ii) the relevance of certain policies. Two transversal factors —the relational and the logic of the scientific field (structure position, capital)— were addressed in different instances of this work.
More specifically, this thesis exposed how subjects identify dynamics, game rules and types of work related to the scientific field. This identification contributes to the migratory process, shaping interests and career possibilities and consolidating different types of capital which affect emigration. The importance of the academic logic was highlighted in addressing the reasons for migration. They also distinguish three levels of analysis: i) micro, motives and incentives recognized by subjects under study; ii) meso, the relational approach, opposed to the atomized vision of migrants, and iii) macro, historical-structural mechanisms associated with the international asymmetry, university-scientific and sociopolitical contexts of origin and destination countries. The migration experience was analyzed, remarking: i) the availability and scale of resources (subsidies, equipment, bibliographical material, etc.); and ii) the consolidation of a critical mass, recruited by its talent from all over the world and who act in an inter-sectorial and competitive system. The most relevant dimensions of the US residence, characterized by the cultural diversity and socio-economic polarization, were also reconstructed. In the relation to return migration, individuals' long-term projection becomes relevant, showing the importance of strong ties and the possibility of getting a stable academic position, with professional projection and able to contribute to their country. In addition, other key dimensions emerged illuminating: i) academic difficulties; ii) material conditions contrasts between both systems; iii) return migration as one more link in the migratory chain; iv) the permanence of international exchanges and circulation as an element that reinforces the scientific career internationalization; v) fears or uncertainties regarding Argentine economy structural issues. This research also presents a complex view of skilled migration, identifying both losses and gains and recognizing circulation and exchange as manifestations of a well-positioned scientist performance. Hence, it shows the importance of promoting interventions that transcend the migration issue and address both professional insertion and working conditions.
Conclusions distinguish some differences between those who migrate to do a PhD. from those who go to do posdoctoral research. A typology was developed to differentiate three types of movements —driven, organic and planned— according to the subjects´ structure of opportunities in their way to emigrate. When focusing on the return migration, these differences appear less clearly because similarities prevail over them. In addition, conclusions highlight several challenges related to the promotion of higher education and scientific policies, instead of isolated initiatives, and channels of international recruitment with proper offers. This approach goes in line with values of openness and cultural diversity, both enhanced through the migration experience. Finally, this thesis proposes new lines of inquiry for future research, and focus on the importance of observing this phenomenon under study in a multidimensional and non-linear way.
The empirical evidence was analyzed through the constant comparison method and it was presented with a temporal logic in order to understand the path followed by the subjects under study, which is not necessarily linear or homogeneous. In this regard, this research outlined four consecutive stages, each one associated with: i) the training process in their country of origin; ii) the migration project; iii) the academic and daily life experience in the US; iv) the return to Argentina and the professional insertion. It discusses: i) the main theoretical perspectives of skilled migration and ii) the relevance of certain policies. Two transversal factors —the relational and the logic of the scientific field (structure position, capital)— were addressed in different instances of this work.
More specifically, this thesis exposed how subjects identify dynamics, game rules and types of work related to the scientific field. This identification contributes to the migratory process, shaping interests and career possibilities and consolidating different types of capital which affect emigration. The importance of the academic logic was highlighted in addressing the reasons for migration. They also distinguish three levels of analysis: i) micro, motives and incentives recognized by subjects under study; ii) meso, the relational approach, opposed to the atomized vision of migrants, and iii) macro, historical-structural mechanisms associated with the international asymmetry, university-scientific and sociopolitical contexts of origin and destination countries. The migration experience was analyzed, remarking: i) the availability and scale of resources (subsidies, equipment, bibliographical material, etc.); and ii) the consolidation of a critical mass, recruited by its talent from all over the world and who act in an inter-sectorial and competitive system. The most relevant dimensions of the US residence, characterized by the cultural diversity and socio-economic polarization, were also reconstructed. In the relation to return migration, individuals' long-term projection becomes relevant, showing the importance of strong ties and the possibility of getting a stable academic position, with professional projection and able to contribute to their country. In addition, other key dimensions emerged illuminating: i) academic difficulties; ii) material conditions contrasts between both systems; iii) return migration as one more link in the migratory chain; iv) the permanence of international exchanges and circulation as an element that reinforces the scientific career internationalization; v) fears or uncertainties regarding Argentine economy structural issues. This research also presents a complex view of skilled migration, identifying both losses and gains and recognizing circulation and exchange as manifestations of a well-positioned scientist performance. Hence, it shows the importance of promoting interventions that transcend the migration issue and address both professional insertion and working conditions.
Conclusions distinguish some differences between those who migrate to do a PhD. from those who go to do posdoctoral research. A typology was developed to differentiate three types of movements —driven, organic and planned— according to the subjects´ structure of opportunities in their way to emigrate. When focusing on the return migration, these differences appear less clearly because similarities prevail over them. In addition, conclusions highlight several challenges related to the promotion of higher education and scientific policies, instead of isolated initiatives, and channels of international recruitment with proper offers. This approach goes in line with values of openness and cultural diversity, both enhanced through the migration experience. Finally, this thesis proposes new lines of inquiry for future research, and focus on the importance of observing this phenomenon under study in a multidimensional and non-linear way.
Título obtenido
Doctora de la Universidad de Buenos Aires en Ciencias Sociales
Institución otorgante
Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales