Lisa Åkesson

Social Anthropology
Ph.D.

About

• Ph.D. in Social Anthropology
• Senior lecturer at the School of Global Studies
• Leader for the Research Group on Migration and Diversity at the School of Global Studies
• Researcher at the Nordic Africa Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
• Good command of Swedish, English, Portugese and Cape Verdean Criol.
   

CV

Areas of interest

My research focuses on various aspects of transnational migration. Mainly, I am interested in how labour migration affects people’s living conditions in migrant sending societies.

In a number of research projects I have analysed the situation of those who stay behind and explored their relations to family members in Europe and the US. In particular I have explored themes such as remittances, conjugal relationships, child care and construction of houses. I have also examined the relationship between remittances and socio-economic inequality, and I have looked into how different structural conditions influence returnees’ possibilities to serve processes of socio-economic development in their countries of origin. Critical analysis of international policy on migration and development is another of my research areas.

Moreover, I have explored cultural and ethnic diversity in relation to the Swedish society, and then especially immigrants’ globalized everyday life. Empirically, much of my research revolves around Cape Verdean migration and diaspora. As an anthropologist, I have worked extensively with participant observation, and I have for many years deepened my understanding of what it means to live in a nation that is globally dispersed.

Ongoing research

The new developers? Circular migrants in policy and practice
Project financed by Sida

Circular migration between countries in the North and those in the South is attracting increasing attention among international policy-makers. The potential is claimed to be that, in receiving countries, circular migrants can meet temporary labour shortages, while at the same time they can contribute to their countries of origin – not only with monetary remittances while they are away, but also upon return with the knowledge they have gained abroad and their new social connections and experiences. To what extent can migrants take on this role as “the new developers”? What kind of skills, knowledge and economic resources do they actually gain?

The aim of this research project is to take a critical look at policies on circular migration, and compare these with the realities of migrants themselves: how do they make use of their money, skills and other resources acquired abroad, and to what extent may these serve the process of socio-economic development in their countries of origin. The project centres on circular migrants from three countries with different potentials for migration and development: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cape Verde and DR Congo.

Teaching and tutoring

Since the mid-1990s, I have taught on a wide range of courses in anthropology and other subjects. 2007-2009 I was Director of Studies in Anthropology. In recent years my teaching has been mostly focused on the migration theme. I am presently responsible for master course on international migration and multicultural societies.

I supervise at all levels, from undergraduate students to doctoral candidates.

Field experience

• Several periods of field work in Cape Verde (1996-2011)
• Fieldwork among Cape Verdeans in Sweden (2005)
• Gender officer, Swedish Embassy in Angola (1988-91)