Handbook on Migration in Small Towns and Rural Areas

Elgar Handbooks in Migration

Edited by Eduardo Barberis, Professor of Sociology, Department of Economics, Society and Politics, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Tiziana Caponio, Professor of Political Science, Department of Cultures, Politics and Society, University of Turin and Fellow, Collegio Carlo Alberto, Italy and Ruth McAreavey, Professor of Sociology, School of Geography, Politics and Sociology, Newcastle University, UK

Publication Date: November 2026

This is an open access title available under the terms of a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 License. It is free to read, download and share on Elgaronline.com.

Publisher's Description

This multidisciplinary Handbook examines intra- and international migration in small towns and rural areas. Leading scholars outline the causes, processes, and consequences of migration beyond metropolitan hubs and large cities, presenting cutting-edge theoretical analysis and empirical research.

Experts adopt an interpretive approach to contextualise migration within social, economic, and political transformations of small towns and rural regions. They assess case studies to reflect on the perspectives of local societies through their responses to migration-based challenges. Chapters demonstrate how different contexts uniquely shape global forces and emphasise the active role of both native and newcomer populations in influencing the future of their communities, despite facing numerous constraints. The Handbook also highlights the methodological challenges of studying migration in small towns and rural areas, and considers future directions for research.

Scholars and students of migration studies, sociology, geography, politics, and public policy will greatly benefit from the novel insights explored in this Handbook. It is also an essential resource for academics in urban and regional studies, anthropology, and political science.

Contents