Historical Migration Research: Obstacles and Possibilities

Abstract

(Historical) research on migration is still a booming field of research. There is a variety of concepts and approaches as well as manifold empirical studies. Research concepts and categories are developing and subject to change. Nevertheless, some common categories, perspectives, and frames of analysis seem rather persistent. In many cases, they can be an epistemological obstacle rather than a useful tool of research. This introductory essay sketches out some of these obstacles. It discusses the possibilities and problems of epistemic reflexivity in migration research.