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Privileged Migration to the Peruvian Capital of Lima

Publication at Faculty of Humanities |
2019

Abstract

My research field is in the Peruvian capital of Lima, where I am doing investigation and fieldwork about privileged migration. In my research, not all are lifestyle or romantic migrants, however, all are somehow privileged in comparison to the Peruvian locals in terms of relationships, search for work, public services and generally their lifestyle.

This kind of migration is very connected with tourism, because lot of my informants came to Peru for the first time as tourists without the intention to settle there. There is also very big influence of globalization, which allows migrants to connect, find jobs and be well informed.

My informants are mostly from Western Europe and United States and they are able to have in Peru - according to them - more fulfilling quality of life. As they claim, they find much more opportunities in Peru than in their countries of origin.

Most of them admit, that they feel very privileged in Peru and also that they are treated better way not only in the workplace, but also as potential relationship partners due to their "whiteness". Being from Europe or United States and being "white" is viewed as being more professional in the workplace than a local Peruvian and also more desirable in partner relationships; having, for example, European boyfriend raises the social status and image.

I am therefore focusing also on this aspect of their experiences.