Chinese Migration and Their Families in Spain: A Case Study on Barcelona

Abstract

[eng] This research provides a comprehensive overview of Chinese migration to Spain from the late 1980s onwards, highlighting the internal diversification of Chinese communities and the continuous influx of migrants over the past four decades. Additionally, through an analysis of the spatial distribution and relocation strategies of Chinese immigrants in the Barcelona Metropolitan Region, the research explores the impact of Chinese migration on urban morphology of the local society and investigates internal variations within the ethnic group. Combining a macro and micro perspective, this study aims to address key questions related to the demographic composition of Chinese migrants, their motivations for leaving China and settling in Spain, the sociopolitical context of their departure, and their migration and integration experiences in different historical periods. At a macro level, this research delineates Chinese migration to Spain into two distinct chronological stages: the late 1980s to 2013, characterized by economic migration, and from 2013 to the present, marked by the dominance of middle-class migration, encompassing urban middle-class families and international students. Notably, the study illuminates how the introduction of capital-linked migration policies in Spain since 2013, including the implementation of the non-lucrative residence (2011) and Entrepreneur Support Law (2013), constitutes a significant turning point in Chinese migration dynamics. Given that this paradigm shift and the subsequent stage remain underexplored in academic literature, this study aims to address this research gap comprehensively. At a micro level, employing in-depth interviews and participant observations with Chinese individuals and their family members, this research investigates the lived experiences and perceptions surrounding migration, facilitating a nuanced understanding of the internal diversification within the Chinese migrant population in terms of migration patterns and family dynamics. Moreover, the study examines parent-offspring relationships and parenting styles among different migrant groups, revealing substantial disparities.