Migration and Families in European Society

This chapter aims to describe some of the processes that have made migrant families a relevant topic in contemporary Europe. Firstly, it analyses the transition from a migration of (temporary) workers to a migration of permanent settlers and families, which have completely changed the “meaning” of migration and its long-term impact. Then, it focuses on family reunion –today the main channel to enter Europe–, analysing the relationship between the legislative framework and a set of social, cultural, and ethical issues. Thirdly, it discusses how migrants are challenging both the sustainability of the European social model and the European way of life, that is the ability to reconciling the principle of equality and the recognition of diversity.