Publication

This paper highlights the importance of historical and local contexts, xenophobia and the mass media in examining the experiences of migrants within the Russian Federation. The author argues that these areas provide an insight into the patterns of continuity and change related to migration in the country. She explains that each city or region has its own attitudes toward migration, defined by its own history in dealing with the issue. Furthermore, these "real-life" attitudes are sometimes different to those expressed by local media and politicians.