Returning Young Migrants In Slovakia: Social Innovations Through Reintegration.pdf

1.1. Why migration?
Migration is a complex phenomenon that affects various social groups. It is considered a key civilization challenge due to its demographic, economic, cultural, social, political, safety, and other impacts. In Slovakia, transnational migration became a highly debated topic after the country joined the European Union in 2004 and the Schengen area in 2007. Migration is not only a physical movement of people but also a cultural exchange that leads to changes on different levels, affecting individuals, their immediate social groups, and the broader culture.

1.2. Why Return Migration?
Return migration is a crucial aspect of the migration cycle, involving decisions to leave, stay abroad, and return home. Young Slovaks' return migration issues are the focus of this case study, which aims to specify the problems, stimuli, and conflicts (personal and social) that young people encounter and experience after their return home. The study examines the reasons for returning home, including subjective aspects like "a feeling of homesickness" and "an overall concept of home," and objective aspects like reflections on future career and family life.

1.3. Research questions and approach
The research questions and approach are guided by the PROMISE project's objectives, which aim to specify the problems, stimuli, and conflicts that young people encounter and experience after their return home. The study focuses on the subjective and objective aspects of return migration, including the reasons for returning home, the challenges faced by young returning migrants, and the potential for innovation and progress.

2. METHODS
The study uses in-depth interviews with young returning migrants to gather data on their experiences, challenges, and perspectives. The interviews are analyzed to identify patterns, themes, and agents of conflict that may influence the return migration process.

3. KEY FINDINGS
3.1. Historical context
Slovakia's entry into the European Union in 2004 and the Schengen area in 2007 led to an increase in transnational migration, making it a highly debated topic in the country. Migration is not only a physical movement of people but also a cultural exchange that leads to changes on different levels.

3.2. Return migration strategies of young people
Young Slovaks' return migration is influenced by various factors, including subjective aspects like "a feeling of homesickness" and "an overall concept of home," and objective aspects like reflections on future career and family life. The study highlights the importance of considering the subjective and objective aspects of return migration when understanding the challenges faced by young returning migrants.

3.3. Returning migrants as active citizens in society
Young returning migrants can be active citizens in society, contributing to social innovations and progress. However, they may face incomprehension and conflicts when advancing their visions, ideas, acquired skills, and experiences. These conflicts may ultimately lead to innovation and progress.

3.4. Out of passivity: returning emigrant's socially oriented activities
Young returning migrants can engage in socially oriented activities, such as community engagement and participation, which can lead to innovation and progress. However, they may face challenges and conflicts when trying to implement their ideas and visions.

4. CONCLUSIONS
The study highlights the importance of considering the subjective and objective aspects of return migration when understanding the challenges faced by young returning migrants. The findings suggest that young returning migrants can be active citizens in society, contributing to social innovations and progress. However, they may face incomprehension and conflicts when advancing their visions, ideas, acquired skills, and experiences.

5. FUTURE ANALYSIS
Future research should focus on the long-term effects of return migration on young people's lives, including their social, economic, and cultural integration into their home country. Additionally, research should explore the role of institutions, organizations, and adults in supporting or hindering young returning migrants' integration into society.

References
Divinský, M. (2009). Migration and its impact on the Slovak society. In M. Divinský (Ed.), Migration and its impact on the Slovak society (pp. 1-20). Bratislava: Institute of Sociology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.

Appendix: Socio-demographic profile of respondents
The socio-demographic profile of the respondents is presented in the appendix, providing information on their age, sex, education level, occupation, and other relevant characteristics.