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Spatial Mobility Capital: A Valuable Resource for the Social Mobility of Border-Crossing Migrant Entrepreneurs?

Author

Listed:
  • Yvonne Riaño

    (Institute of Geography, National Center of Competence in Research “on the move”, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchatel, Switzerland)

  • Christina Mittmasser

    (Institute of Geography, National Center of Competence in Research “on the move”, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchatel, Switzerland)

  • Laure Sandoz

    (Institute of Geography, National Center of Competence in Research “on the move”, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchatel, Switzerland)

Abstract

Spatial mobility is considered a valuable resource for social mobility. Yet, we still have an insufficient understanding of the extent to which and under what conditions geographical movement across national borders represents an asset for social advancement. Addressing this research gap, we offer a theoretical contribution to the fields of transnationalism, migration/mobility, and social geography. We focus on 86 cross-border migrant entrepreneurs who live in Barcelona (Spain), Cúcuta (Colombia), and Zurich (Switzerland), and combine geographical and mental maps, biographical interviews, ethnographic observations, and participatory Minga workshops. Our results show significant inequality in opportunity among the studied entrepreneurs and reveal different geographies of risk and uncertainty for their cross-border mobilities. We theoretically propose that the ability to use spatial mobility as a resource for social mobility depends largely on three intersecting factors: the entrepreneur’s social position, his or her location in geographical space, and his or her strategies. Moreover, we have formulated the concept of spatial mobility capital to define the necessary conditions for spatial mobility to become a valuable resource for social advancement: individuals must be in control of their spatial mobilities, such mobilities need to match their socio-economic needs and personal aspirations, and they must be able to move safely.

Suggested Citation

  • Yvonne Riaño & Christina Mittmasser & Laure Sandoz, 2022. "Spatial Mobility Capital: A Valuable Resource for the Social Mobility of Border-Crossing Migrant Entrepreneurs?," Societies, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:12:y:2022:i:3:p:77-:d:809265
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    References listed on IDEAS

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