Migrant communities in Western European countries and in Russia: social demands and structural constraints

Abstract

The study of communities formed by migrants is crucial for understanding the political communication in industrialized countries. There are three circumstances that actualize such a study. First, in countries with a long history of immigration, institutions of public representation of migrants have been developed to ensure the participation of the latter in the political life of the host societies. Secondly, migrants can form associations at the grassroots level to find common solutions without direct interaction with government institutions. Thirdly, migrants are often involved in the social and political life of the country of origin, as they maintain contact with organizations operating in their homeland. This connection is facilitated and intensified due to various online platforms. This paper provides an overview of current research on this topic, made in Western European countries, as well as the results of our own field research conducted in several Russian cities.

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