Introduction and context

Abstract

The first chapter is purely theoretical and aims to set the scene and to convey the message that migration is important in our globalised world and that it is doubtful that it can be stopped. This first chapter introduces the reader to the context and the themes under exploration. I refer to the context of neoliberalism and neopopulism in the UK and globally, within which Brexit is occurring. I define international migration and its scale. Migration motivations are explored with reference to global inequality as one of the reasons, perhaps the most important reason, that people become mobile. The process of migration as a gendered experience is considered and women as migrants are brought to the fore. The complexity of terminology is examined by looking at the following terms: im/migrant, refugee, mobile person. In this chapter, I provide details of primary research data collection, participant recruitment, sample characteristics and data analysis. An outline of remaining chapters is also included.