The Construction of Trans-social European Networks and the Neutralisation of Borders: Skilled EU Migrants in Manchester—Reconstituting Social and National Belonging

Abstract Drawing on an exploratory study conducted in Manchester, the paper examines several different ways in which not only territorial but also primordial cultural borders are being crossed, neutralised, dissolved and rendered irrelevant by the overseas experiences encountered by young, postgraduate EU migrants. At times, this occurs because national cultures are transplanted and constructed anew by expatriate groups within host societies. However, in other situations, especially where migrants remain for longer periods, borders are called into question by the formation of multinational interpersonal relationships requiring intercultural negotiation. These engender multiple affiliations and call into question national identities and a sense of belonging while requiring explorations into unchartered post-national social areas.