Supporting
the Development of an
Enhanced Social Science Capability
The following is a summary description of the initial project in this programme. Comments
and contacts are welcome and should be made to director@cemes.org
| Research and
Training on Migration and Ethnic Minorities in the Mediterranean Supporting
the Development of an |
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Current ‘state-of-the art’
Description of project
Work plan and methods
Expected impact of the project
Expected results
Initial contacts
It is widely recognised that Mediterranean members of the European Union have seen a dramatic shift in their migration patterns since the oil crisis of 1974. At that time, traditional patterns of emigration, particularly from poorer regions, were still evident. Since then net migration flows have shifted and Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal have become countries of net inward migration. The consequence has been the growth in foreign populations at a faster rate than in most Northern European countries. While many of these are from EU member states, migration from Africa, South America and the Balkans has produced a significant increase in identifiable minorities, and a concomitant concern over a parallel growth in racism and xenophobia.
It is inevitable that in the circumstances identified above, the social science knowledge base and local research capabilities have taken some time to catch up. While there are very distinguished exceptions to this generalisation, a recent review showed that there is a need to promote the acquisition of local expertise (Consiglio Italiano per le Scienze Sociali, 1996, Interethnic Relations and Human Rights in Europe: A Survey of Research, revised edition being published by CSS & CEMES for the Ethnobarometer Programme, 1999). This project is designed to support that process. More specifically, the project has the following objectives:
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to review the social science research capacity in the field of migration and ethnic studies in four Mediterranean countries |
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to assess the quality and quantity of research students specialising in this field |
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to consider strategies for strengthening the research and training infrastructure, and to make appropriate recommendations. |
This is not a conventional research task. Rather it will consist of a period of nine months in which a one person will visit existing institutions, conduct interviews and prepare an appropriate report. It is particularly important that this exercise should be based at a university in a less developed part of Europe so as to be sensitive to the opportunities and constraints which may arise.
The work plan and timetable will be as follows:
January 1999 |
Initial interviews and preparation of outline for the report |
February-June |
Visits and interviews with scientists, research students, university administrators and others in Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal |
June-September |
Finalising of draft report and further consultations |
4. Expected impact of the project
The project can be expected to achieve to raise the profile of research and graduate training in this field. It will aim to underline the importance of multi-disciplinary working and of developing a strong link with policy development while retaining the highest standards in scientific research.
The project can be expect to produce the following specific results:
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to stimulate applications for research funds and the quality of research proposals |
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to increase the flow of suitably qualified students |
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to enlarge the flow of research funds and resources in this area |
Initial contacts for this project are being made with the persons and organisations contained in the listings below. I would be grateful for any additional information relevant to this project. Also for corrections, additions or documents which will help in preparing a useful report.
Malcolm Cross
director@cemes.org
