Global Nomads and Extreme Mobilities: (Studies in Migration and Diaspora)

Presenting a ground-breaking study of the emerging phenomenon of location-independence, this book examines the way in which the practices of 'global nomads', who live on the road, without fixed abode, place of employment or localised circle of friends, question many of the unwritten norms and ideals that characterise settled life in societies. With the lifestyles of global nomads blurring the boundaries between travel, migration, and dwelling, Global Nomads and Extreme Mobilities draws on in-depth interviews with a worldwide group of location-independent travellers, together with virtual and instant ethnography and discourse analysis, to show how lives oriented around extreme forms of mobility offer researchers in migration, tourism and mobilities a unique opportunity for examining the complex subjectivities and power relations associated with multi-mobility. With close attention to the nationalistic, political, and travel-related attachments of global nomads and the ways in which their own representation and justification of their lifestyles and subjectivities constitute a power negotiation, the book examines 'global nomads' social and intimate relationships and the forms of exclusion and discrimination that they encounter, raising the question of whether they live inside or outside societies - and indeed, whether there can be any life outside societies. A re-assessment of much contemporary research in the fields of mobility, migration and tourism studies, Global Nomads and Extreme Mobilities will appeal to scholars across the social sciences.

Table of Contents:
Preface; Escaping societies; Privileged elite?; Two faces; Adrift; In or out; A Sisyphean task?; Alternatives

About the Author :
Päivi Kannisto is a researcher at Tilburg University, the Netherlands.

Review :
'This penetrating analysis of the challenges posed by global nomadism for individuals and societies pushes forward the frontiers of mobilities research. A compelling combination of theoretical and personal insights unravels the complexities of lives lived through new forms of mobilities.'— Allan Williams, University of Surrey, UK 'This is a highly intriguing and thought-provoking book about location-independent people who are always travelling. The book provides original insight and nuance into un-researched ways of life, which challenge conventional understandings of home, travel, work, and leisure. It makes us think about homelessness, obligations, consumption, and many other aspects of social life in new ways.'— Jorgen Ole Baerenholdt, Roskilde University, Denmark 'Päivi Kannisto has written a cutting-edge book on modern mobilities. She sheds new light on the nature of the mobile risk society and what dwelling in mobility seriously means. This is a highly innovative book. It is well crafted, thought-provoking and a pleasure for all those interested in mobility, modernity and social change.'— Sven Kesselring, Nürtingen-Geislingen University, Germany