Greece as a Sophistication of Necessary Reality: Perceptions and Images from the Narratives of Women Immigrants from Bulgaria
Greece as a Sophistication of Necessary Reality: Perceptions and Images from the Narratives of Women Immigrants from Bulgaria

Summary/Abstract: The mass immigration of women from Bulgaria to Greece in the last decade – from the middle of the 1990s until now – could be described in words such as ‘need’, ‘hope’ and ‘illusion’. An important argument when deciding to migrate in the direction of Greece is the romantic image of the country associated with the ancient civilization and culture, on the one hand, and, on the other, the neighbouring geographical position which is thought also as a common ‘Balkan’1 attitude and, even more, as a way of behaviour and living. From the moment that emergent financial necessity pushes someone to the decision to migrate, those perceptions give a value and a kind of psychological confidence by meaning of predisposition and lead to the choice of receiving country. Greece, as a state neighbouring Bulgaria and as a member of the EU, with better financial opportunities, has become an attractive destination for Bulgarians. And, what is more, it possesses some identifiable references that immigrants themselves hold in mind: it’s the Balkans – we have something in common in the way we function in contrast to west Europeans.

• Details
• Contents