K. Charsley | University of Bristol (original) (raw)

Papers by K. Charsley

Culturalist understandings connect transnational marriage with ‘traditional’ gender and family re... more Culturalist understandings connect transnational marriage with ‘traditional’ gender and family relationships, contrasted with models of ‘modern’ egalitarian European gender relations which are taken as a sign of cultural integration. Previous chapters of this volume have considered gender issues in relation to education, employment and social life. In this chapter, we explore another prominent topic in this area: extended family living. The Labour Force Survey data reveals that rates living in extended families are patterned by couple type, with particularly high rates among migrant wife couples. For both transnational and intranational couples, women sometimes find living with their in-laws constraining. For some British Pakistani women, a transnational marriage offers the opportunity to avoid the role of daughter-in-law, and so may offer increased autonomy and/or the opportunity to remain living with or near their natal family. Migrant husbands, conversely, are often in the cultur...

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from the publisher via the... more This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from the publisher via the DOI in this record.Migration scholarship has often lagged behind developments in gender studies. The importance of gender has gained increasing recognition, but this has predominantly meant a focus on women migrants. Only recently has a gendered lens been turned to the study of migrant men. Discourses surrounding migration in law and government, and in legal scholarship, remain characterized by neglect or dismissal of the gendered experiences of male migrants. Where they do appear, men are frequently cast as the oppressor of family members or as abusing legal channels of migration. Their vulnerabilities and affective ties and needs are rarely foregrounded. This negative representation may be instrumentalized at a variety of levels, and for a variety of purposes, making it difficult for more nuanced critiques to gain purchase. This special issue seeks to extend the discussion of migratio...

Men and Masculinities, Oct 1, 2015

Full bibliographic details must be given when referring to, or quoting from full items including ... more Full bibliographic details must be given when referring to, or quoting from full items including the author's name, the title of the work, publication details where relevant (place, publisher, date), pagination, and for theses or dissertations the awarding institution, the degree type awarded, and the date of the award.

Comparative Migration Studies, 2016

Enquiry into the factors which impact on 'integration' requires clarity on the nature of the inte... more Enquiry into the factors which impact on 'integration' requires clarity on the nature of the integration processes in which individuals are engaged, the intersection of those processes and the factors that may affect their operation over time. Elaborating on debates among European scholars which conceptualise integration as a series of multi-directional, interactive processes in related but separate domains, we use the term 'effectors' to explore five sets of factors which have been shown to facilitate or impede those processes, setting out a framework capable of empirical and comparative application. We demonstrate the utility of this model in a case study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (2013-2015) exploring the impact of transnational marriages in the UK, illustrating the conceptual and empirical value of the model when investigating the complexity of the factors involved in shaping the outcomes of integration processes. The model is illustrated in diagrammatic form. The case study in turn informs the model, highlighting the relevance of family and life-course events within an understanding of the full range of factors impacting on the integration processes in which individuals are engaged.

Health:, 2000

... The non-positivist model is sceptical about the status of social facts, and, as against the .... more ... The non-positivist model is sceptical about the status of social facts, and, as against the ... the Muslim religion mitigate the impact of psychological symptoms on func-tioning in daily life' (Cochrane and ... so she and her husband bought a shop to enable them to work without needing ...

Spouses constitute the largest category of migrant settlement in the UK. In Britain, as elsewhere... more Spouses constitute the largest category of migrant settlement in the UK. In Britain, as elsewhere in Europe, concern is increasingly expressed over the implications of marriage-related migration for integration. In some ethnic minority groups, significant numbers of children and grandchildren of former immigrants continue to marry partners from their ancestral homelands. Such marriages are presented as particularly problematic: a 'first generation' of spouses in every generation may inhibit processes of individual and group integration, impeding socio-economic participation and cultural change. New immigration restrictions likely to impact particularly on such groups have thus been justified on the grounds of promoting integration. The evidence base to underpin this concern is, however, surprisingly limited, and characterised by differing and often partial understandings of the contested and politicised concept of integration. This project combined analysis of relevant quant...

Ethnic and Racial Studies

This book provides the first sustained empirical evidence on the relationships between marriage m... more This book provides the first sustained empirical evidence on the relationships between marriage migration and processes of integration, focusing on two of the largest British ethnic minority groups involved in these kinds of transnational marriages – Pakistani Muslims and Indian Sikhs. In Britain, and across Europe, concern has been increasingly expressed over the implications of marriage-related migration for integration. Children and grandchildren of former immigrants marrying partners from their ancestral ‘homelands’ is often presented as problematic in forming a 'first generation in every generation,’ and inhibiting processes of individual and group integration, impeding socio-economic participation and cultural change. As a result, immigration restrictions have been justified on the grounds of promoting integration, despite limited evidence. Marriage Migration and Integration provides much needed new grounding for both academic and policy debates. This book draws on both quantitative and qualitative data to compare transnational ‘homeland’ marriages with intra-ethnic marriages within the UK. Using a distinctive holistic model of integration, the authors examine processes in multiple interacting domains, such as employment, education, social networks, extended family living, gender relations and belonging. It will be of use to students and scholars across sociology, social anthropology, and social policy with a focus on migration, integration, family studies, gender, and ethnic studies, as well as policy-makers and service providers in the UK and across Europe.

Ethnicities, 2016

In both policy and academic debates in Britain, as elsewhere in Europe, concern is increasingly e... more In both policy and academic debates in Britain, as elsewhere in Europe, concern is increasingly expressed over the implications of spousal immigration for ‘integration’. Continued practices of ‘homeland’ transnational marriage within some ethnic minority communities, in particular, are presented as problematic, and new immigration restrictions likely to particularly affect such groups are justified on the grounds of promoting integration. The evidence base to underpin this concern is, however, surprisingly limited and analysis is based on differing and often partial conceptualisations of integration. Through an examination of the evidence in recent studies, we interrogate the impact which spousal immigration can have within differing domains of integration. Exposing the complex processes at play we demonstrate the need for future research to deploy a nuanced, more comprehensive concept of integration if it is to avoid simplistic assertions that these forms of marriage migration have...

Journal of Immigration Asylum and Nationality Law, 2012

At a glance In the context of the European Convention on Human Rights obligation to respect famil... more At a glance In the context of the European Convention on Human Rights obligation to respect family life, the UK government's stated aim of significantly reducing immigration is challenged by the volume of marriage-related migration and settlement. In this context, increased immigration policy attention has focussed on the genuineness of marriages involving migrants. The resulting attempts to define, identify and combat marriages of convenience are, however, based on a binary of genuine and 'sham' marriages, and sometimes normative criteria for evaluating the authenticity of relationships. These may not adequately account for the diversity of marital practices involving migration, and risk producing discriminatory outcomes. With the assistance of previously unpublished UKBA material, this article explores recent developments surrounding 'sham marriages' to highlight areas of particular concern, before setting out an agenda for urgently needed research in this under-studied but increasingly critical area. * Katharine Charsley is a Lecturer in Sociology at the School for Social, Political and International Studies (SPAIS), University of Bristol. She was previously Lecturer in Migration Studies at the University of Oxford. Her doctoral fieldwork was on transnational Pakistani marriages. She now works more broadly on marriage-related migration. Publications include 'Marriage-related migration to the UK' forthcoming in International Migration Review 2012, Transnational Marriage (forthcoming, Routledge), and various articles on Pakistani transnational marriage in journals including Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, Ethnic and Racial Studies and Global Networks. Michaela Benson is a Research Assistant in the School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol. Her main research interests are in issues of class and migration-she is author of The British in Rural France and co-editor of Lifestyle Migration, in addition to articles and chapters on related topics. 1 Data extracted from Control of Immigration: Statistics United Kingdom 2009 (supplementary table 4c).

Ethnic and Racial Studies, 2016

Intra-ethnic discrimination, in the form of stereotyping of recent migrants by settled ethnic min... more Intra-ethnic discrimination, in the form of stereotyping of recent migrants by settled ethnic minorities, has been interpreted as internalized racism, displacing stigma and negotiation of local hierarchies of belonging. Stereotypes of 'Fresh off the Boat' migrants construct cultural boundaries and assertions of belonging, offering clues to processes of identity-making where ethnicity is complicated by ongoing migration. In British Pakistani portrayals of 'freshies', this assertion of difference coexists with familial ties and a high incidence of transnational marriage. Analysis of the figure of the 'freshie' in internet comedy videos, combined with qualitative research material, provides insight into dynamics of cultural and social capital, immigration and sexuality through manifestations of difference, similarity and disgust. Together these not only reveal the weakness of recent migrants' positions in structures of socioeconomic and symbolic power, but the blurring of social categories, and the continuing importance of transnational kinship in negotiations of identity amongst British Pakistanis.

Journal of Borderlands Studies, 2014

This edited volume offers a diverse and comprehensive collection of papers which discuss multiple... more This edited volume offers a diverse and comprehensive collection of papers which discuss multiple facets of transnational marriages, rigorously spanning together legislative aspects of cross-border unions, the role of the state in disciplining marriage-related mobility, gender dynamics, and the lived experiences of transnational family members. The book builds on studies that represent a variety of academic disciplines and methods, among other ethnography and other qualitative research, archival research, statistical investigation and policy materials.

Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 2006

With increasing numbers of Pakistani nationals entering Britain as the spouses of British Pakista... more With increasing numbers of Pakistani nationals entering Britain as the spouses of British Pakistanis, concern has been voiced over the risks faced by British Pakistani women entering into such marriages. This article takes the issue of risk as a central explanatory factor in examining the effects of transnationalism on Pakistani marriage ceremonies. The involvement of marriages in multiple legal systems, together with the individual circumstances of geographically divided kingroups, may lead to additions or adaptations to wedding practices. The focus on risk, however, illuminates a novel strategy employed by some British Pakistani families to reduce the risks to young women marrying Pakistani nationals: the delaying of the couple's cohabitation until after the husband's successful migration. The challenge for state intervention in the regulation of risks to its citizens through immigration policy is to keep pace with these changing phenomena.

Ethnic and Racial Studies, 2014

This article offers insights into the dynamics underlying an increase in marital instability in B... more This article offers insights into the dynamics underlying an increase in marital instability in British Pakistani families, thus challenging stereotypes of British South Asian populations as representing 'old fashioned' families, with their lower rates of divorce in contrast with the wider British population. In addition to problems of compatibility, domestic violence and infidelity, we explore dynamics that may be more specific to the British Pakistani population, namely the transnational nature of many marriages, attitudes to parental involvement in arranging marriages, and the place of Islam. We suggest that, while arranged marriages were conventionally seen as safer than love marriages, both young people and their parents may now be viewing arranged marriages as riskier. In an arranged marriage that brings family approval but not personal fulfilment, young people are increasingly supported to divorce and remarry, with a greater degree of personal say in spouse selection.

This study applies exchange theory to transnational marriages between descendants of migrants to ... more This study applies exchange theory to transnational marriages between descendants of migrants to Europe, and partners from their (grand)parents’ country of origin. Such marriages could offer socio-economic benefits for the European partner/family, if the opportunity of migration attracts a more highly educated spouse. The translation of educational capital into socio-economic benefits, however, is mediated by the labour market position of migrant spouses. In this study we explore the relationships between transnational marriage, education, and employment, by comparing the characteristics of spouses in transnational couples with those in intranational couples. Analyses are based on UK Labour Force Survey data (2004–2014) for two groups in which transnational marriage is common—Pakistani Muslims and Indian Sikhs. We find that educational homogamy is the dominant pattern in both intranational and transnational couples, and that migrant spouses have a disadvantaged labour market positio...

In both policy and academic debates in Britain, as elsewhere in Europe, concern is increasingly e... more In both policy and academic debates in Britain, as elsewhere in Europe, concern is increasingly expressed over the implications of spousal immigration for 'integration'. Continued practices of 'homeland' transnational marriage within some ethnic minority communities are presented as particularly problematic and new immigration restrictions likely to affect such groups in particular are justified on the grounds of promoting integration. The evidence base to underpin this concern is, however, surprisingly limited and analysis is based on differing and often partial conceptualizations of integration. Through an examination of the evidence in recent studies we interrogate the impact which spousal immigration can have within differing domains of integration. Exposing the complex processes at play we demonstrate the need for future research to deploy a nuanced, more comprehensive concept of integration if it is to avoid simplistic assertions that these forms of marriage migration have a single, direct impact on integration processes.

Global Networks, 2013

ABSTRACT In Europe, polygamy is often portrayed as emblematic of unchanging patriarchal tradition... more ABSTRACT In Europe, polygamy is often portrayed as emblematic of unchanging patriarchal traditions among Muslims. In contrast, based on research with Pakistanis in Britain and Turks in Denmark, we explore ways in which polygamy is transformed in the context of migration and transnationalism. Migration‐related polygamy features in accounts of the pioneer generations of Pakistani and Turkish migrants to Europe, but there is also evidence of great variety in contemporary practices of multiple marriage, and new permutations of polygamy arising due to the specific conditions of transnational migration. Coexisting legal systems within and between nations; the opportunities of spousal settlement; multiple marital aspirations; and both transnational connections and geographical distance combine to create opportunities and motivations for a range of polygamous situations, including some in which ‘technical’ polygamy masks monogamy in practice.

Since restrictions on commonwealth labour immigration to Britain in the 1960s, marriage has been ... more Since restrictions on commonwealth labour immigration
to Britain in the 1960s, marriage has been the dominant
form of migration between Pakistan and the UK. Most
transnational Pakistani marriages are between cousins or
other more distant relatives, lending a particular texture to
this transnational social field. Based on research in Britain
and Pakistan, this book provides a rounded portrayal
incorporating the emotional motivations for, and content
of, these transnational unions.
The book explores the experiences of families and
individuals involved, including the neglected experiences
of migrant husbands, and charts the management of the
risks of contracting transnational marriages, as well as
examining the consequences in cases when marriages
run into conflict. Equally, however, the book explores
the attractions of marrying ‘back home’, and the role of
transnational marriage in maintaining bonds between
people and places. Marriage emerges as a crucial, but
dynamic and contested, element of Pakistani transnational
connections.

Men and Masculinities, Oct 1, 2015

Comparative Migration Studies, 2016

Health:, 2000

Ethnic and Racial Studies

Ethnicities, 2016

Journal of Immigration Asylum and Nationality Law, 2012

Ethnic and Racial Studies, 2016

Journal of Borderlands Studies, 2014

Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 2006

Ethnic and Racial Studies, 2014

In both policy and academic debates in Britain, as elsewhere in Europe, concern is increasingly e... more In both policy and academic debates in Britain, as elsewhere in Europe, concern is increasingly expressed over the implications of spousal immigration for 'integration'. Continued practices of 'homeland' transnational marriage within some ethnic minority communities are presented as particularly problematic and new immigration restrictions likely to affect such groups in particular are justified on the grounds of promoting integration. The evidence base to underpin this concern is, however, surprisingly limited and analysis is based on differing and often partial conceptualizations of integration. Through an examination of the evidence in recent studies we interrogate the impact which spousal immigration can have within differing domains of integration. Exposing the complex processes at play we demonstrate the need for future research to deploy a nuanced, more comprehensive concept of integration if it is to avoid simplistic assertions that these forms of marriage migration have a single, direct impact on integration processes.

Global Networks, 2013

Marriages spanning borders are not a new phenomenon, but occur with increasing frequency and cont... more Marriages spanning borders are not a new phenomenon, but occur with increasing frequency and contribute substantially to international mobility and transnational engagement. Perhaps because such migration has often been treated as ‘secondary’ to labor migration, marriage has until recent years been a neglected field in migration studies. In contemporary Europe, transnational marriages have become an increasingly focal issue for immigration regimes, for whom these border-crossing family formations represent a significant challenge. This timely volume brings together work from Europe and beyond, addressing the issue of transnational marriage from a range of perspectives (including legal frameworks, processes of integration, and gendered dynamics), presenting substantial new empirical material, and taking a fresh look at key concepts in this area.