Comparative studies of migration and exclusion on the grounds of 'race' and ethnic background in Western Europe: a critical appraisal

Comparative studies of migration into Western Europe and of the expression of racism within the various countries of Western Europe have become increasingly common. These can be divided into three relatively distinct categories on the basis of their intentions and objectives. However, they all share the weakness of being unable to explain both the commonality and the specificity of migration flows and the political and ideological character of the reaction to these migrations. Hence, they highlight the need for an alternative methodology and theoretical framework for such comparative analysis.