Class Formations and Inequality Structures in Contemporary African Migration

Reviews / Votes

"Most works on economic and social dimensions of migration addressing the issue of class and inequality among migrants do so mostly with respect to the destination areas of migrants. In this book, the author argues that class and inequality dominate every facet of African life, consequently shaping contemporary migration in the region. Though migration has been a tool for lessening inequality in Ghana, it is characterized by inequalities too. These are not often manifested in the chronicles of African migration, but Arthur's book fills this gap with content extended to historical perspectives and sociological dimensions of the subject.

This book is a must-read for both academics who seek to provide research evidence for migration policy and policy makers (national and international) attempting to manage migration in the region. Both will not hesitate to acknowledge how class dynamics are played at both the origin and destination and indeed in the entire migration process as illustrated with the Ghanaian (internal and international) experience that is not different from those of other African countries. It is the best basis for understanding contemporary migration in Ghana/Africa and managing it." -- Delali M. Badasu, University of Ghana An illuminating account on migration and the shaping of class identities in Ghana and the Ghanaian diaspora. The book is insightful and timely as it contributes to our body of knowledge about migration and social stratification in contemporary Africa and beyond. In this book, Arthur maintains that the class composition and formations in contemporary Africa provide the impetus for migration, a process that would continue into the foreseeable future if the inequalities that exist between social groupings in the region (class, marginalized minorities, among others) are not addressed.

Class Formations and Inequality Structures in Contemporary African Migration is a welcome addition to sociological studies on contemporary African immigrants and their pathways into mainstream societies in their host nations. This is a book that will be of interest to a wide range of scholars form a variety of disciplines: Africanists and non-Africanists alike. -- Baffour K. Takyi, University of Akron Highly readable analysis of how class impacts the processes of African migration to the United States and in turn, contemporary African and American societies. Writing in accessible language, Arthur underscores some key questions on the important theme of twentieth and twenty first century African global migration. Focusing primarily on Ghana and Ghanaian immigrants, the book explores how inequality and class status differentiate immigrant experiences and economic and political change in a transnational context. It raises some key questions about the meanings of pan-Africanism, diaspora, belonging, inequality, and mobility in the contemporary world. -- Rachel Jean-Baptiste, University of Chicago