Postcolonialism, Transnationalism, and Remittances: New Perspectives on “Guest Worker” Research in Austria

Abstract

This chapter explores the so-called discovery of immigration during the 1970s and the emergence of socio-scientific research on so-called guest workers, focusing especially on the role of remittances as an indicator of integration. The social sciences were deeply involved in the development of the controversial discourse on foreigners and their remittance practices: they created and reaffirmed patterns of perception, established connections, and tried to offer solution strategies. By historicizing early social science research and combining the perspectives of postcolonialism, transnationalism, and remittances, this chapter sheds new light on “guest worker” research and discourse in Austria and beyond.