New book: Arctic Migration Reveals Hidden Boundaries – and New Paths to Inclusion
“This book is important work for me because it examines immigration in the Arctic context as a structural and multidimensional phenomenon. The book highlights how the Arctic environment—climatically, culturally, and institutionally—shapes the experiences of immigrants in ways that are often not recognized in more southern contexts. The work challenges simplified notions of integration and shows that adaptation is not a linear process, but rather a continuous negotiation of belonging, agency, and identity,” says one of the book’s editors, Nafisa Yeasmin, Development Manager at the Micro-Entrepreneurship Centre MicroENTRE, Kerttu Saalasti Institute, University of Oulu.
What are the hidden boundaries for immigrants?
This book explores whether the Arctic serves as a true panacea for immigrants, offering opportunity and renewal, or if it reveals deep vulnerabilities, including isolation, harsh conditions, and exploitation. By examining the intersection of migration, socio-economic development, and climate change, the book uncovers the forces shaping immigrant lives and their role in the Arctic’s evolving future. It explores development, integration, and social justice in the rapidly changing Arctic.
“The most significant insight in the book is that the Arctic region acts as a kind of magnifying glass: it makes societal boundaries visible but also reveals opportunities to redefine community. The ‘panacea’ presented in the book does not refer to a universal solution, but rather to context-specific, human, and communal practices that support well-being and inclusion,” Yeasmin says.
The theme is very current because the demographic and economic sustainability of Arctic regions requires successful and ethically sound immigration. The book makes an important contribution to the discussion on how northern societies can develop into truly inclusive communities. It offers new insights into the challenges and opportunities facing immigrant communities and explores broader implications for regional policy, integration, and resilience.
Revealing findings using diverse research methods for professionals in the field
Drawing on multidisciplinary perspectives, from migration studies, environmental sociology, and development theory, the book combines empirical case studies, policy analysis, and narratives from immigrants themselves to present a grounded and comprehensive picture of Arctic migration dynamics. It provides insights on the real-world experiences and structural factors affecting immigrants in the Arctic, unpacking complex relationships between people, place, and policy.
Writers explain how the Arctic presents both promise and peril for immigrants for understanding of Arctic migration dynamics better. This book will be of interest to researchers and policymakers working in fields such as migration studies, political science, environmental studies, sociology, economics, and human geography. It will also be valuable for nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups focused on immigration rights, social justice, law, and human rights.
The book The Panacea to immigrant people in the Arctic - opportunity or vulnerability is edited by Nafisa Yeasmin from the University of Oulu, Finland, Juhar Yasin Abamosa from University of Inland, Norway and Syed Musa Kajum Nuri from the University of Lapland, Finland.
Read a sample of the book here.
Photo: Pexels