5th ISA Forum of Sociology (6-11 July 2025)

The purpose of this session is to clarify the meaning of "Europe" from Asian perspectives through the lens of migration. For a long time, Europe has offered ideals for Asian national and local governments, civil societies, and individuals, such as universal human rights, welfare systems, ecological practices, and cultural policies. These ideals, however, have also spurred nationalism and backlash, which regard inequality and human rights violations as "Asian" or "traditional" values, alongside an emphasis on discipline and collectivism.

With international migration becoming more commonplace, the land of these ideals has become accessible. People have migrated between Asia and Europe in pursuit of better academic and career opportunities, work-life balance, and welfare services. Asian national and local governments and civil societies look to European counterparts for models. Meanwhile, the advent of the information society and advancing scholarship highlight shared social issues and challenges between Europe and Asia, such as racism and post-colonialism.

This session will address the question, "What drives and generates the longing for 'developed countries' in the field of migration?" It will focus on research concerning migration, particularly between Asia and Europe. We welcome reports on the phenomenon of migration between Asia and Europe, the implications and changes in European migration policies for local governments in Asian countries, and the relationship between racism, colonial rule, and migration in both Europe and Asia.