GLOBAL TANGO IMMIGRANTS
Based on an ethnographic study of
Argentine tango migrants, this research project explores the actual
trajectories of Argentine tango migrants who travel and live in global
cities, particularly in the US and Europe. These artists have
contributed to the formation, and reproduction of a social (and
commercial) tango field, supported by the booming economy of services
predominantly in global cities. In particular, this research project
will address the modalities through which tango migrants construct
transnational migratory patterns (e.g., by performing and living in
different cities), vis-à-vis the difficulties they encounter to make
ends meet and solve their health problems. Tango migrants are dancers,
singers, and musicians who have become the ultimate epitome of
Argentina’s migratory exodus. They represent the human face of the
globalized “tango passion”, through new generations of professional and
amateur artists who, as impromptu globetrotters, travel and live
wherever they can perform.
In March 2010, Dr. Viladrich visited London for the purpose of exploring future collaborations on tango research pertaining transnational migration. During her visit, Viladrich gave a presentation at the London Metropolitan University (on March 26), met with colleagues from this University and with representatives of the Anglo-Argentine Society (March 26-27), and conducted exploratory fieldwork on Argentine tango milongas (tango dancing halls) on March 28-29.
During
the academic year 2010-11, Dr. Viladrich will be giving presentations
on tango immigrants at the Instituto Gino Germani (Buenos Aires, Argentina) and at the University of Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain).
MEDICAL TOURISM IN TANGO PARADISE
Medical tourism has become a fast-growing market in recent years, with consumers crossing international borders to savor health care practices in “paradise” destinations. Typical services range from alternative healing and elective surgeries (e.g., cosmetic treatments) to specialized services, such as cardiovascular surgery and dental plans. In this project, we particularly focus on the thriving tango industry in Argentina, where the entertainment economy offers sexy tango tours along with dental services, weight-reduction treatments, and anti-aging skin plans. These “holistic packages” are usually marketed and bought via non-licensed agencies on the internet, calling attention to the lack of regulatory mechanisms to assure basic standards of care. Travel agents and artistic entrepreneurs have informally become the ultimate health brokers who, amidst a growing global market in personalized services and individualized medicine, are ready to take care of their clients’ needs in the fanciest (and professionally questionable) establishments. This research, still in progress, will include an analysis of the local impact that medical tourism is having on the consolidation of a two-tier health system in countries such as Argentina.
ETHNIC RETURN MIGRATION
This project examines the case of Latin American immigrants
returning to Europe (mostly to Spain and Italy) on the basis of jus
sanguinis, or the right to citizenship supported by blood heritage. The main goal of this project is to examine the impact of return
migration on immigrants’ mental health (e.g., increasing stress as a
result of social discrimination) and the obstacles to immigrants’
social incorporation in recipient societies.
