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Poland in international migrations: the perspective of world systems theory

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  • Żołędowski Cezary

    (Faculty of Political Science and International Studies, University of Warsaw, WarsawPoland)

Abstract

This article presents the special status of Poland, namely as a country that both sends out and takes in large numbers of migrant workers. Drawing on the world systems theory, the role attributed to Poland is that of semi-periphery, which means a specific kind of suspension between the status of an immigration centre, resembling western Europe, and the status of a migration periphery, such as the one constituted by the eastern part of the continent. Poland continues to be viewed as peripheral by its own citizens who decide to emigrate and, at the same time, becomes an immigration sub-centre for migrants coming from less-developed countries. In this article, the distinctive features of the special position of Poland are discussed. The conclusions drawn are supported by empirical evidence, including data on migration flows and interviews both with Poles working abroad and foreigners employed in Poland.

Suggested Citation

  • Żołędowski Cezary, 2020. "Poland in international migrations: the perspective of world systems theory," Miscellanea Geographica. Regional Studies on Development, Sciendo, vol. 24(2), pages 94-103, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:mgrsod:v:24:y:2020:i:2:p:94-103:n:2
    DOI: 10.2478/mgrsd-2020-0005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jamie Winders, 2014. "New Immigrant Destinations in Global Context," International Migration Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48, pages 149-179, September.
    2. Joanna Tyrowicz, 2017. "The influence of economic migration on the Polish economy," mBank - CASE Seminar Proceedings 0149, CASE-Center for Social and Economic Research.
    3. Stark, Oded & Micevska, Maja & Mycielski, Jerzy, 2009. "Relative poverty as a determinant of migration: Evidence from Poland," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 103(3), pages 119-122, June.
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