The Political Agency of British Migrants

This book examines the political agency of British migrants in Spain and France, focusing on their struggles for belonging after Brexit.

This book offers a thorough comparative analysis of the political agency of British migrants in Spain and France, particularly in the context of Brexit. It delves into the struggles these migrants face in finding a sense of belonging as their political rights are redefined following the UK's departure from the European Union. The narrative moves beyond merely focusing on the political agency of underprivileged migrants, highlighting that even those who are relatively well-off can engage in political discourse when their core values or interests are at stake.

The Political Agency of British Migrants is rooted in ethnographic research conducted in the Spanish Province of Alicante and South West France. It explores various themes, including the election of Britons as local councillors, their responses to Brexit, and the organization of anti-Brexit campaigns. The book emphasizes contemporary practice theory, drawing from the works of Pierre Bourdieu and Engin Isin, to provide insights into how Britons participate politically. It illustrates how elected councillors confront moral inequities and strive for a sense of local belonging, while also showcasing how some migrants adeptly navigate and contest national bureaucratic policies.

This pioneering work makes a significant contribution to anthropology and geography, particularly regarding the impacts of Brexit on British migrants in Europe. It is the first study to examine lifestyle migrants as political agents, making it a valuable resource for anthropologists, geographers, sociologists, and students of citizenship and migration studies.