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

The session is devoted to the experiences, life strategies, discourses and policies of young migrants in the context of ageing societies. The so-called “replacement migration” has often been seen as a panacea to sidestep the wide-ranging implications of societal ageing associated with decreasing human capital levels, economic productivity, and pension system sustainability. Thus, younger migrants are considered key actors to address the challenge of population ageing while simultaneously being directly affected by various migration policies and exposed to many of the implications associated with population ageing, which become apparent on local, national, and transnational scales. At the same time, migrants pursue their own life trajectories with their goals, concerns, and commitments.

In this context, our session welcomes contributions deconstructing various aspects of the dynamics and negotiations of young migrants in ageing societies. We are interested in all levels of analysis, starting with the micro level of lived experiences, through mezzo-level community and organizational interactions, and extending to the macro-level of discourses, policy frameworks, and societal structures.

Proposed papers could relate – but are not limited – to the following topics:

• life strategies of young migrants in the context of ageing societies
• labour market experiences of migrants working with the elderly
• transnational elderly care and “filial piety”
• discourses of young migrants in the context of ageing societies
• "replacement migration” policies and their consequences
• etc.

We welcome case studies, comparative studies, and theoretical contributions. The session will be held in a regular format.