Datta Mobile

“migration is first and foremost a series of physical embodied events which involve different emotional experiences including the pain of separation, regret, disappointment, a strong sense of grief as well as pride,
excitement, contentment and acceptance.”1
tendency of Brazilian respondents to identify themselves as “White”2
tendency for men to come from middle classes in their home countries.3
work in 1) “semi-public” space such as London Underground and construction 2) in what are traditionally feminine roles such as cleaning and care.4
“Thus, throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, for example, the Brazilian economy experienced repeated periods of high inflation and economic instability, and declining job opportunities for those with professional qualifications or university training. As a result, and as many Brazilians found, in the face of economic decline at home even ‘low-paid’ menial work in northern hemisphere countries such as the US paid more than professional work in Brazil”5
idealized visions of London encouraging migration.6
migration linked to 1) risk-taking 2) self-improvement 3) need to support family, (in case of Brazilians) often children from previous marriages.7
For relatively prosperous Brazilian young men, migration means of escaping shadow of parents, who might accept migration as a means of instilling work ethic in sons.8
significance of experience of friends and family who have already migrated to London.9
tendency of Brazilians to overstate their success and prosperity in migrating to the UK.10
“Their narratives touched upon the cold grey uninviting weather, finding their way around a
vast unfamiliar city, a fear of getting lost and accounts of difficulties speaking English”11

Points to the way in which migrant's identity shaped by the British immigration system. Restrictions upon low skilled workers from outside EU creating increasing hierarchy between “legal” and “illegal” migrants reflected in their status back home.12 arrival in the UK often traumatic process, often seen to require specific masculine skills.13

sense of isolation and vulnerability on arrival.14
“men described the fear – and shame – that was part and parcel of day-to-day
life as ‘an illegal’ – a life characterised by the constant threat of arrest and deportation.”15 fear of deportation may increase loneliness by reducing visits back to home country.16
“Ethnic segmentation has long been the result of stereotyping on the part of employers, the
role of ethnic networks in employment searches, as well as institutional discrimination”17
“rather than dwelling solely on a loss of status through de-skilling and dequalification, the men also dwelled upon the hard nature of this work which can be seen as a way of highlighting their manliness and also restoring some value to these jobs”18

“London’s construction sites, for example, were dominated by Brazilians, South Africans, Poles, Czechs,
Albanians, and Armenians,”19

self-worth compensated by denigrating other ethnic groups, example given of an anti-Polish Brazilian construction worker.20 shared emphasis on poor working ethnic of British population.21
desire to return home, but as a success.22

Brazilians: being in UK often seen as growing as a person/ maturity.23

migration experience justified in terms of “delayed gratification”24
1K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 4.
2K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 7.
3K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 8.
4K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 8.
5K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 8–9.
6K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 10.
7K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 10–12.
8K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 13.
9K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 13–14.
10K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 14.
11K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 15.
12K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 16.
13K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 17.
14K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 18.
15K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 19.
16K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 20.
17K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 21.
18K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 23.
19K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 25.
20K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 25.
21K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 27–28.
22K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 27.
23K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 28.
24K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Mobile Masculinities: Men, Migration and Low Paid Work in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2008) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/wp9.pdf, 29.

Datta remittances

Refers to a “remittance euphoria” in neo-liberal circles seeing remittances as a new form of funding development.1 Equally among “International Financial Institutions” e.g. World Bank, IMF,2
Official remittances increased from $31.2 billion in 1990 to $ 167 billion in 2005.3
claim that the cost of remittance upon migrants is under-researched.4
migration policy driven by security rather than development concerns.5
Points to how “managed migration” leads to a stratification of migration. In encouraging migration of highly-skilled/skilled migrants (arguably from the more affluent sectors of the Global South) and restricting low-skilled migration, especially under the points regime, the role of remittances becomes increasingly restricted.6
on average migrants send 20-30% of their income back in remittances. Refers to some Brazilians remitting up to 65%7
Most remittances are “altruistic” sent for the subsistence/health/education of family members in home country.8
Many Brazilians have migrated to the UK with the objective of saving enough money to set up a business in Brazil.9 Many Brazilians also involved in paying off debts, either previous debts, or debts incurred to migrate.10
Remittances generated by working long hours in poorly paid jobs.11 payment by hour means loss of pay if absent due to emergencies.12
process of de-skilling linked with complaints of maltreatment by employers.13 undocumented migrants unable to defend their rights before employers.14
A8 acession causes tension with workers from other countries with whom they compete. Gap between Eastern European workers and those from the Global South.15
difficulty of pressure to remit. Many migrants underestimated the cost of living in the UK when choosing to migrate.16 Coping strategies (1) sharing accomodation (2) multiple jobs (3) minimising consumption (even of essentials such as food; or taking the bus/walking instead of tube)17
loneliness (often compensated through regular phone calls) and shame of jobs carried out in UK.18 sensation of being part of an “underclass” (especially undocumented migrants)19






1K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf , 1.
2K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf , 3.
3K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf , 3.
4K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf , 8.
5K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf , 9.
6K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf , 10–12.
7K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf, 14.
8K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf , 14–17.
9K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf , 18.
10K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf , 18–19.
11K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf , 21.
12K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf , 22.
13K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf , 22.
14K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf , 23.
15K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf , 23–24.
16K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf , 25.
17K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf , 25–26.
18K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf , 26–27.
19K Datta, C Mcllwaine, Y Evans, J Herbert, J May & J Willis, Challenging Remittances as the New Development Mantra: Perspectives from Low-Paid Migrant Workers in London, (London: Queen Mary University of London, 2006) available online at www.geog.qmul.ac.uk/globalcities/reports/docs/remittances.pdf , 28.

Asiss ctd

dream of those who migrate to America: make money, return, and set up their own business ¹(243)

graph with data of migrants from Criciúma in 2001. Only 3.5% of women migrants and 1.8% of male migrants chose to come to the UK² (245)

importance of networks to receive migrants³ (246-250)

migrant fear of the interview at the immigration office ⁴(250)

loss of the father's control over his kids out of Brazil ⁵

1G Assis, ' De Criciúma para El Mundo: Género, Família e Redes Sociales', Política y Cultura 23 (2005), 235–256, 243.

2G Assis, ' De Criciúma para El Mundo: Género, Família e Redes Sociales', Política y Cultura 23 (2005), 235–256, 245.

3G Assis, ' De Criciúma para El Mundo: Género, Família e Redes Sociales', Política y Cultura 23 (2005), 235–256, 246–250.

4G Assis, ' De Criciúma para El Mundo: Género, Família e Redes Sociales', Política y Cultura 23 (2005), 235–256, 250.

5G Assis, ' De Criciúma para El Mundo: Género, Família e Redes Sociales', Política y Cultura 23 (2005), 235–256, 252.