Argentine Migrants to Spain and Returnees: A Case for Accumulation of Civic Assets

Abstract

Conceptually, this paper relies on the asset accumulation framework and identifies its relevance to work on Argentine migrants to Spain and returnees. The asset accumulation framework represents an innovative approach to understanding the complexities of migratory flows in a transnational context. In order to comprehend and tackle migration, this framework pays particular attention to investment and savings in various domains, including the financial, social, human, civic and political fields. Responding to gaps in current studies, the objective of this paper is twofold. First, it expands the asset accumulation framework by differentiating between civic and political assets. Second, using data drawn from interviews conducted among Argentine migrants and returnees in the cities of Barcelona and Buenos Aires, this paper fleshes out the definition of civic assets. The findings indicate that, for interviewees, moving to Spain implied the accumulation of civic assets that enhanced the development of a more equitable and democratic society. Respondents incorporated new civic capabilities in several areas, including increased environmental awareness and tolerance for minority groups, as well as the acquisition of knowledge about equity and labour rights. In addition, results suggest that, as a result of the migratory experience, many interviewees went through reflective processes that made them question their old presumptions about both the receiving and sending societies.

State Response to Transnational Asset Accumulation: The Case of Argentina

“…One of the distinctive characteristics of this model is the notion of assets as a dynamic stock that can promote economic, social and political improvements in a given society (Bebbington, 1999; Moser, Sparr and Pickett, 2007; Moser, 2008). The scope of the asset accumulation framework, which was initially conceived as a diagnostic tool and a policy intervention strategy to alleviate poverty, was recently expanded and used to analyse other groups (Orozco, 2007; Ginieniewicz, 2010a). A number of studies utilised this model to approach and understand the dynamics of migration.…”

“…As far as civic and political capital are concerned, these notions have only recently been analysed in the context of the asset accumulation framework. While civic capital points to the accumulation of capabilities in improving a society's general living standards, political capital refers to opportunities to positively change formal political structures both in the sending and receiving societies (Ginieniewicz, 2010a). Throughout recent years, Latin Americans living abroad have become an important part of national and consular programmes, and advocacy services now aim to attract the political interest of compatriots living outside the country (Bermúdez, 2006; Moraes, Bermúdez, Escrivá and Padilla, 2009).…”

“…Argentine migrants are reluctant to request support from Argentine consulates, which either reflects their intention to cut ties with the past and move on to a ‘new life’, or highlights their negative feelings towards the unpredictable Argentine state. At this point, it is important to note that around half of the Argentines who live in Spain hold European citizenship (Actis and Esteban, 2007; Ginieniewicz, 2010a), which presents an extra challenge for Argentine policy‐makers, as they may not be fully aware of the particular needs of these dual citizens.…”

“…The cases of Ecuador and Mexico, where the figure of the migrant is highly praised, are good examples of countries that have implemented these policies. The migratory experience can lead to the accumulation of new civic and political assets, including the incorporation of a distant perspective of the home country (Ginieniewicz, 2010a, 2010b). Civic rights, engagement in new political structures and access to new political practices are all factors that can enhance and renew migrants' motivation to participate in home country politics.…”