Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2005-3
Differential Impact of Transnational Ties on the Socio-Economic Development of Origin Communities: The Case of Chinese Migrants from Zhejiang Province in Italy
Based on extensive qualitative research carried out in Milan and Rome, Italy, among Zhejiang migrants, this paper attempts to compare the transnational strategies of migrants from the Wencheng and Qingtian districts, and to examine the impact of their transnational practices on their districts of origin. The striking differences in the character and scope of local development in these two districts of Southern Zhejiang province suggests the operation of factors that affect the migration-development nexus. Findings indicate major constraints and aspirations that shape the migrants' career abroad and their ability to take active part in local development. As such, there is a need to balance optimistic views of migration as an informal development policy with a sober appraisal of its limits and possible unexpected side effects.
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