Conference Agenda

The focus on the relationship between subjective well-being and social cohesion holds unexploited potential in migration studies. However, conducting quantitative, country-of-birth-based data analysis at the local level presents numerous practical challenges.

This meta-analysis aims to examine large-scale European surveys that have recently explored subjective well-being (SWB), particularly those relevant to our case study on Vienna and Budapest. We will systematically evaluate when, where, and how this multidimensional concept was assessed by EU-SILC, EQLS, ESS, QLECS, VQLS, the Migration Survey of Statistics Austria and the Hungarian microcensus. The analysis will explore the advantages and limitations of these databases regarding sample size, consistency, representativeness, the inclusion of spatial data, and other factors. The main research question is to what extent we obtain similar or differing results when examining the same social phenomenon using different data sources. The phenomenon we tested was the SWB gap between the country-of-birth groups in Vienna and Budapest. The presentation will also reflect on temporal trends and spatial patterns.

Preliminary results indicate that our knowledge is highly fragmented, and direct comparisons of variables across different surveys are rarely feasible. The same concept is operationalised by partly distinct variables, measured on different scales. Furthermore, most databases are still characterized by “methodological nationalism”, which makes comparative analyses at the local level even more challenging. The results also indicate that while Austria boasts one of the highest average life satisfaction score in Europe, the SWB scores of major immigrant groups, remain remarkably lower than those of the native-born population, despite a narrowing gap over the past decade. In contrast, Budapest rank in the EU's bottom quartile for overall life satisfaction, where the native-born population’s SWB lags behind that of the foreign-born.

The objective of the contribution is to provide an insight on the perception of the quality of file in European cities. The data source is the Quality of life in European cities survey 2023 carried out by the EC, Istat and other national agencies in 85 European cities. The survey, targeting individuals aged 15 and over, captures the perception of the quality of life in the city, both in general terms and with respect to specific dimensions (work, public services, safety, environment, local administration, social inclusion etc.). The present analysis aims at unfolding the main survey results by illustrating the key indicators such as the perception of quality of life in the city of residence, the perceived efficiency of the city utilities, feelings about security and the social inclusion of different groups like immigrants, ethnic minorities, LGBT community. These subjective aspects will be confronted with a set of objective indicators such as the cities employment rate, population density, educational attainment, age structure, incidence of foreign population, tourism flows etc. in order to test the coherence between the subjective and objective indicators and their impact on the overall perception of quality of life in the city.

This paper examines the aspirations of young people to remain in Governador Valadares, Brazil, a region characterized by a deep-seated "migration culture" and historical emigration to the United States and Europe. While migration studies often prioritize movement, immobility remains underexplored, despite its significance as an active and meaningful decision. This research builds on an emerging body of work reframing the choice to stay as a deliberate, empowering decision rather than a passive default. Drawing from ethnographic research and 17 in-depth interviews conducted between 2022 and 2023, the study explores the complex interplay of socio-economic, cultural, and personal factors shaping immobility among young Brazilians.

The analysis employs the concepts of "retain and repel factors" to investigate why young people prefer staying and how their aspirations for a "good life" challenge dominant migration narratives. Retain factors, such as family ties, emotional belonging, and local engagement in social movements, contrast with repel factors like the risks and uncertainties of undocumented migration, financial instability, and the alienation faced by migrants abroad. These findings highlight that economic motivations alone cannot explain migration decisions. Instead, values like emotional well-being, community connection, and personal fulfillment significantly influence the choice to stay.

Central to this analysis is the concept of "relative endowment," which posits that individuals assess their current circumstances relative to potential alternatives. For many participants, staying allows them to preserve familial and social bonds, maintain inner peace, and contribute to their communities. These subjective evaluations often outweigh the perceived economic advantages of migration. Furthermore, the study challenges conventional assumptions equating immobility with inertia or low aspirations. It argues that choosing to remain is a form of agency, reflecting ambition to cultivate meaningful lives within one's local context.

This paper advances migration studies by integrating subjective well-being and non-economic dimensions into the analysis of immobility. It underscores the importance of understanding diverse interpretations of the "good life," particularly in contexts shaped by strong migration pressures. Ultimately, this research reframes staying as a dynamic and relational process, contributing to broader debates on mobility, aspirations, and social inclusion.

This thesis investigates the identity negotiation processes of young adult asylum seekers during prolonged waiting periods on the island of Lesvos, Greece. Drawing on Dialogical Self Theory (DST) and phenomenological perspectives, the study explores how temporal and spatial dimensions of waiting intersect with identity formation in a liminal island setting. Through qualitative analysis of life stories, the research examines the emotional and psychological impact of indefinite waiting and reveals the emergence of varied identity positions (I-positions), including "I as an asylum seeker," "I as a dreamer," and "I as participating in NGOs." These positions evolve in response to the socio-spatial constraints and interactions encountered during the asylum process.

The findings underscore how the spatiality of Lesvos, as both a physical and symbolic space, profoundly shapes the narratives and identity construction of asylum seekers. Waiting periods are characterized by temporal disruptions—moments of stagnation, rupture, and fleeting hope—that deeply affect personal agency and future aspirations. NGO interactions emerge as pivotal in reshaping participants' perceptions and fostering a sense of agency, though these engagements often remain transient and context-dependent.

Methodologically, the study employs a qualitative approach, including 19 in-depth semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and complementary methods such as photovoice, vignettes and landscape-assisted conversations. These methods provide a multidimensional understanding of identity construction, capturing how individuals navigate the uncertainty and constraints imposed by institutional systems.

This thesis contributes to migration and island studies by emphasizing the intersection of place, temporality, and identity in forced migration contexts. It highlights the critical role of spatial and temporal dimensions in shaping psychosocial processes and the broader implications of asylum policies on identity formation. The study calls for more humane and responsive policy frameworks to mitigate the psychological and emotional hardships experienced by asylum seekers in liminal spaces like Lesvos.