The migrant as a nexus of social relations: An empirical analysis

Geographers have sought to explain the social and spatial integration (or nonintegration) of migrants in cities across the globe. Models are often proposed to provide insights on the formation, development and transformation of urban ethnic communities. While these models vary on why migrants live and work in certain areas of a city, they generally agree that ‘migrants’ are an ontologic - ally given, categorically ready-made group for study. Using this as a starting point for research studies can, however, result in a rather limited analysis of migration patterns, as the connection with other social science fields of study is restricted.