Why It Did Not Work: Structural Problems Behind Unsuccessful Return Migration in Latvia
Why It Did Not Work: Structural Problems Behind Unsuccessful Return Migration in Latvia

Summary/Abstract: This paper is based on research analysing cases of unsuccessful East–West return migration. Specifically,it examines returnees’ expectations, needs and challenges that shape the decision for re-migration ordouble return migration. Qualitative data were collected from 2020 to 2022 through 16 in-depthbiographical interviews. The analysis applies narrative thematic and discursive approaches, focusing onspecific word choices and discursive forms. Although subjective and personal factors largely influence thenarrators’ mobility, the article highlights the structural factors underlying their unsuccessful return-migrationexperiences. The research question is: What structural problems have determined returnees’ decisions fordouble return migration? The results depict return migration as an emotionally driven decision motivatedby a sense of belonging, a duty to Latvia, a desire to contribute and institutional encouragement to return.Differences in communication culture, work environment and power relations emerge as key structuralchallenges contributing to double return migration or leaving the homeland. In analysing the factorsprompting narrators to reconsider their return and to leave Latvia for a second time, the study concludesthat, during their migration, the interviewees have adopted new values that render them outsiders and makethem unwilling to adapt.

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