A3 Refereed book chapter or chapter in a compilation book

In-between worlds : becoming and being a cosmopolitan




AuthorsRaitis, Johanna; Harikkala-Laihinen, Riikka; Nummela, Niina; Paavilainen-Mäntymäki, Eriikka

EditorsPiekkari, Rebecca; Lundan, Sarianna; Ritvala, Tiina; Harikkala-Laihinen, Riikka; Van Tulder, Rob

  • PublisherEmerald

Publication year2026

Book title Future-fit : Expanding the Boundaries of International Business

Series titleProgress in International Business Research

Number in seriesVol. 20B

First page 143

Last page161

ISBN978-1-80686-436-2

eISBN 978-1-80686-435-5

ISSN1745-8862

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/S1745-88622026000020B008

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingNo Open Access

Publication channel's open availability No Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.1108/S1745-88622026000020B008

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/522946172

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY NC

Self-archived copy's versionFinal draft


Abstract

Despite changes in politics, policies and attitudinal climate, cosmopolitans, citizens of the world, form a growing group of individuals, who are voluntarily on the move from country to country, pursuing self-fulfilment in life and work. This chapter sheds light on the process of becoming and being a cosmopolitan by studying the cosmopolitan individuals and their lived experiences. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have investigated global migration and its links to international business, but most of the attention has been given to assigned expatriates or elite travellers. This study seeks to expand our knowledge by studying those who migrate – usually multiple times – for their own initiative and personal growth. The empirical data for our research originates from a qualitative study of Finnish- born cosmopolitans. The interviewees’ life courses and identities were investigated retrospectively and analysed with the help of social identity maps. The findings of our study show that cosmopolitan orientation does not require international exposure or experiences, and it can emerge already prior migration and first move abroad. The chapter also elaborates on the cosmopolitan characteristics and illustrates the cosmopolitans’ perspectives on work. In a broader sense, the findings are suggested to contribute to the on-going debate on cosmopolitan identity formation and the state of liminality. Based on the findings presented in this study, it is evident that these individuals possess attitudes and competences that are needed in the multicultural and constantly shape-shifting global environment.


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Last updated on 24/04/2026 10:36:00 AM