Displaced Labor, Transnational Lives, and Local Placemaking: Framing the Global in the Local

In recent decades, the global economy has undergone a profound transformation, characterized by the increased mobility of capital, goods, and people. This has led to the displacement of millions of workers from their home countries, as they seek new opportunities in far-off lands. These displaced workers often face significant challenges in adapting to their new surroundings, but they also bring with them a wealth of skills and resources that can benefit their new communities.

Global Heartland: Displaced Labor, Transnational Lives, and Local Placemaking (Framing the Global)

by Faranak Miraftab

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5567 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	310 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

This article explores the experiences of displaced workers who have migrated to the United States from Latin America. It draws on qualitative research conducted with these migrants, examining how they have used their skills and resources to create new businesses, organizations, and cultural spaces. The article argues that displaced workers are not simply victims of globalization, but rather are active agents who are shaping the contours of the global economy and the local communities in which they live.

Displaced Labor and Transnational Migration

The term "displaced labor" refers to workers who have been forced to leave their home countries due to economic, political, or environmental factors. These workers often face significant challenges in finding new jobs and rebuilding their lives in their new surroundings. They may be unfamiliar with the local language and culture, and they may lack the necessary skills and qualifications to secure gainful employment.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of transnational migration, as workers from developing countries seek new opportunities in more developed countries. This trend has been driven by a number of factors, including the global economic crisis, the rise of neoliberalism, and the increasing interconnectedness of the world economy.

Transnational migrants often face a number of challenges in their new countries. They may be subjected to discrimination and xenophobia, and they may have difficulty accessing essential services such as healthcare and education. However, transnational migrants can also bring with them a wealth of skills and resources that can benefit their new communities.

Local Placemaking and the Global Economy

The concept of "local placemaking" refers to the process by which people create and shape their local communities. This process can involve a variety of activities, such as starting new businesses, organizing community events, and creating public spaces. Local placemaking can be a powerful tool for empowering communities and improving the quality of life for residents.

Displaced workers can play a significant role in local placemaking. They often have a deep understanding of the local economy and culture, and they may have the skills and resources to create new businesses and organizations that meet the needs of the community. For example, a displaced worker from Mexico might start a new restaurant that serves authentic Mexican cuisine, or a displaced worker from El Salvador might start a new community organization that provides support for immigrant families.

By creating new businesses, organizations, and cultural spaces, displaced workers can help to revitalize their new communities and make them more vibrant and welcoming places to live. In ng so, they are not only shaping the local economy, but also the contours of the global economy.

Displaced workers are not simply victims of globalization. They are active agents who are shaping the contours of the global economy and the local communities in which they live. By creating new businesses, organizations, and cultural spaces, displaced workers are helping to revitalize their new communities and make them more vibrant and welcoming places to live. In ng so, they are not only shaping the local economy, but also the contours of the global economy.

Global Heartland: Displaced Labor, Transnational Lives, and Local Placemaking (Framing the Global)

by Faranak Miraftab

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5567 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	310 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE