Migration Flows, Communities, Cultural Practices and Gender: A Literature Review of Latin American Migration to Australia

The Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that between 2000 and 2019 Latin American migration to Australia increased by 262%. This percentage does not consider migrants on temporary visas. This article presents a critical review of 59 single publications. The findings suggest, firstly, that while the literature shows qualitative analysis of Latin American cultural practices, communities and gender, the study of migration flows is dominated by quantitative approaches that are focused mainly on permanent settlement. Secondly, while there have been several studies attempting to understand and problematize a homogenous Latin American identity in Australia, there is still little research exploring the heterogeneous cultural, social and economic experiences of migrants from these diverse regions. Finally, this review highlights the need to conduct quantitative and qualitative studies to explore Latin American temporary migration in Australia, examining how the increase of temporary visas is intersecting with the everyday life of these migrants.