Women and irregular mobility flows in the European ultraperiphery: The example of the Canary Islands

Abstract

During the last fifty years, the Canary Islands have experienced a radical change in terms of foreign mobility flows. On the strength of the tourist boom that took place during the 1960s and 70s, the Islands changed their traditional emigratory role into an immigratory one. Over the last few years, these migration flows have reached their peak with over 61,000 new foreign residents registered. This development has led to this Ultraperipheral Region having the second highest rate of resident foreigners in Spain. This latest migratory stage has been characterized by the large number of irregular immigrants who have arrived from underdeveloped countries such as Morocco, Colombia and Mauritania. Doubtlessly linked to this process, there has been a notable increase in the female population living in the Canary Islands. These female immigrants are replacing native women in unskilled and badly paid jobs. Given this situation, a gender study may contribute to the development of a plural, multi-ethnic and intercultural way of living that will neutralize the dangers of discrimination and racism in the Canary Islands.