Migration aspirations
13 Followers
Recent papers in Migration aspirations
The willingness to migrate in search of employment is in itself insufficient to compel anyone to move. The dynamics of labour mobility are heavily influenced by the opportunities perceived and the imaginaries held by both employers and... more
The willingness to migrate in search of employment is in itself insufficient to compel anyone to move. The dynamics of labour mobility are heavily influenced by the opportunities perceived and the imaginaries held by both employers and regulating authorities in relation to migrant labour. This volume offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the structures and imaginaries underlying various forms of mobility. Based on research conducted in different geographical contexts, including the European Union, Turkey, and South Africa, and tackling the experiences and aspirations of migrants from various parts of the globe, the chapters comprised in this volume analyse labour-related mobilities from two distinct yet intertwined vantage points: the role of structures and regimes of mobility on the one hand, and aspirations as well as migrant imaginaries on the other. Migration at Work thus aims to draw cross-contextual parallels by addressing the role played by opportunities in mobilising people, how structures enable, sustain, and change different forms of mobility, and how imaginaries fuel labour migration and vice versa. In doing so, this volume also aims to tackle the interrelationships between imaginaries driving migration and shaping “regimes of mobility”, as well as how the former play out in different contexts, shaping internal and cross-border migration.
Based on empirical research in various fields, this collection provides valuable scholarship and evidence on current processes of migration and mobility.
Based on empirical research in various fields, this collection provides valuable scholarship and evidence on current processes of migration and mobility.
This conceptual paper seeks to engage with migration theory by examining the nature and functions of aspirations in migration processes. I argue that aspirations play a pivotal role in all migration, but in different ways. Aspirations are... more
This conceptual paper seeks to engage with migration theory by examining the nature and functions of aspirations in migration processes. I argue that aspirations play a pivotal role in all migration, but in different ways. Aspirations are elusive, however, both theoretically and empirically. People’s general aspirations in life form part of form part of the background to migration desires; such desires can also be described as migration aspirations, which are the focus of this paper. This conviction that migration is preferable to staying can be understood as an attitude, which helps us raise several epistemological issues. Is the desire to migrate an enduring state of mind, or a context-specific speech act? Do migration aspirations, conceived of as attitudes, comparatively evaluate places, or culturally constructed projects? Does migration have intrinsic value, or is it simply a means to an end? Addressing such questions and relating them to the factors that inhibit or facilitate actual migration can shed new light on how we conceptualize and empirically analyse the determinants of migration. It can also help understand the relationships between force, choice and mobility. In conclusion, I propose an aspirations-centred model of migration, in which observable outcomes—in the form of mobility and immobility—are interpreted as products of three interlinked processes.
This paper seeks to lay out—in a comprehensive yet concise way—how migration comes about. It stops short of prescribing particular policy interventions, but lays the foundation for identifying how migration dynamics and their outcomes may... more
This paper seeks to lay out—in a comprehensive yet concise way—how migration comes about. It stops short of prescribing particular policy interventions, but lays the foundation for identifying how migration dynamics and their outcomes may be shaped by government policy. The paper presents a model of migration that draws upon recent developments in migration theory. It is broadly applicable across different categories of migrants, including refugees. The model is built around three steps: (1) The formation of a desire for change. This is driven by people’s current conditions, their perception of prospects for the future, and their life aspirations. The desire for change may be focused on personal security, living conditions, professional development, or other spheres of life. (2) The channelling of a desire for change into migration aspirations. People could respond to a desire for change by seeking a future elsewhere. Alternatively, they could pursue local opportunities—either for changing their personal circumstances or contributing to social change. These responses could be constructive (e.g. pursuing education, entrepreneurship, or political activism) or destructive (e.g. radicalization or violent mobilization). (3) The outcomes of migration aspirations. A wish to migrate could be converted into actual migration, depended on opportunities and resources. But it could also result in an unsuccessful migration attempt in the form of death, being trapped en route, or having to return against one’s will. A third outcome is involuntary immobility—wishing to leave but being unable to do so. This is a largely invisible outcome, but a potentially damaging one for individuals and communities.
More than 3 million Afghans—refugees, regular migrants and irregular migrants—reside in Iran. They are a significant community whose migration and migration aspirations are of international, national and local interest and impact. The... more
More than 3 million Afghans—refugees, regular migrants and irregular migrants—reside in Iran. They are a significant community whose migration and migration aspirations are of international, national and local interest and impact. The research “Afghans in Iran: Migration Patterns and Aspirations” was conducted in cooperation with the University of Turku (Finland), the Shahid Beheshti University (Iran) and the Sharif Policy Research Institute’s Iran Migration Observatory at the Sharif University of Technology (Iran). Important support from Iran’s Ministry of the Interior, the Dean of the Sharif Policy Research Institute and the International Affairs Office of the Sharif University of Technology is acknowledged, as is the financial support of the Strategic Research Council at the Academy of Finland (URMI research consortium, www.urmi.fi) and the Geography Section of the University of Turku. The study’s main research questions are as follows: What are the migration patterns of Afghans in Iran, and what are the migration aspirations of Afghans—refugees, regular migrants and irregular migrants in Iran—inside Iran, to Afghanistan and to third countries? The analysis is based on earlier research findings, as well as on specific surveys and interviews conducted for this research in Iran in October 2017 and June–September 2019. In total, 2,009 persons with Afghan backgrounds (refugees, regular migrants and irregular migrants aged 15 years and older) responded to the surveys, and 116 Afghans and 54 stakeholders related to Afghans were interviewed. In 2017, 644 persons with Afghan backgrounds from the Kerman, Razavi Khorasan and Khuzestan provinces responded anonymously to the survey. Of these Afghans, 546 lived in the Bani Najjar, Bardsir, Rafsanjan and Torbat-e Jam refugee guest settlements, and 98 lived elsewhere in the Kerman and Razavi Khorasan provinces. In addition, 72 Afghan refugees and irregular migrants were interviewed. In 2019, 1,365 persons with Afghan backgrounds from the Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan and Kerman urban regions responded to the survey. In addition, 44 Afghans active in sociocultural and economic issues in Iran, such as students, businesspersons and NGO managers, were interviewed. Furthermore, in 2017, interviews were also conducted with 54 stakeholders, such as representatives of the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrant Affairs (BAFIA; located in Razavi Khorasan and Khuzestan) of the Ministry of the Interior and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR; office in Mashhad), as well as public authorities in districts, municipalities and villages of the study areas, managers and council members in the four studied refugee guest settlements and other public authorities and private sector representatives. All ethical research guidelines were followed rigorously, and all survey respondents remained anonymous. We are grateful to all the people who responded to our survey and allowed us to interview them. Research assistants helped collect and analyse the research material. The main researchers responsible for this report are Professor Jussi S. Jauhiainen (University of Turku), Dr Davood Eyvazlu (Sharif Policy Research Institute at the Sharif University of Technology) and Dr Bahram Salavati Sarcheshmeh (Sharif Policy Research Institute at the Sharif University of Technology). According to the survey results, Afghans’ intentions regarding living in Iran for the rest of their lives vary: two out of five Afghan refugees in guest settlements, three out of ten refugees living elsewhere in Iran, and one out of four regular and irregular Afghan migrants intended to stay. Among the respondents who aspired to stay in Iran, most were 50–64-year-old Afghans who came to Iran from Afghan villages more than 20 years prior and who have family members in Iran; young Afghan adults who lived in guest settlements with their spouses and children and who have spent 10–20 years in Iran; and the oldest regular and irregular migrants. A slight majority of respondents intended to migrate within Iran, mostly to Mashhad or Tehran. Almost all respondents from Mashhad in the Razavi Khorasan province wanted to remain in their current location, as did five out of six respondents living in the Tehran urban region. However, international sanctions on Iran, which have resulted in the devaluation of the national currency, made almost two out of three Afghans in Iran think about migrating from Iran. Roughly two out of five Afghan refugee respondents in guest settlements and one out of four Afghan refugee respondents elsewhere in Iran would like to migrate to Afghanistan. This is also the case for one out of three respondents among Afghan regular migrants and half of Afghan irregular migrants. However, fewer actually plan to return. In particular, the oldest employed and married irregular migrants aspire to migrate to Afghanistan. Those who least aspire to migrate to Afghanistan included unmarried, 30–49-year-olds and women refugees living in guest settlements. Roughly one out of three Afghans hoped to move from Iran to Europe—typically single, employed Afghan men from Iranian cities—but such migration aspirations might not result in actual migration. Very few mentioned Turkey as their preferred destination. Younger Afghans in Iran are more likely to desire to migrate abroad, but very few young Afghan adults want to migrate to Afghanistan, which they perceive as insecure. Among Afghans in Iran, around 1.6–1.85 million (including 0.4–0.5 million children) are likely to remain in Iran or did not express plans to leave Iran. Among Afghans in Iran (aged 15 years and older), about 0.85–1 million plan to migrate out of Iran. About 0.6 million would like to migrate to Afghanistan, and 0.28–0.4 million intend to migrate to the EU. Many of these potential migrants have young children in Iran whose migration depends on what their parents do. However, whether such plans lead to actual migration from Iran depends on many external factors. International geopolitical tensions have grown in Iran in 2020, especially following the actions of the United States in Iraq in January 2020. The growing geopolitical and economic pressures on in Iran may make the country increasingly challenging and insecure for Afghans. This would decrease labour-related irregular migration from Afghanistan to Iran. The challenges in Iran increase the migration aspirations of Afghans to leave Iran. The potential migration destinations depend on Afghans’ (perceived) opportunities. If Afghanistan is considered a viable option, more will aim to (return) migrate there. If Afghanistan is (perceived) economically and politically insecure, more Afghans—especially younger adults—will opt for migration through Turkey to the EU. These research-based results about Afghans in Iran can support the design of efficient evidence-based policies that successfully impact individuals, communities and Iranian society as a whole, so research about the migration and migration aspirations of Afghans should be continued.
The literature on migration intentions of university students and their decisions to travel abroad as student migrants is limited. This article outlines how the thought of student migration is created and nurtured. It investigates how... more
The literature on migration intentions of university students and their decisions to travel abroad as student migrants is limited. This article outlines how the thought of student migration is created and nurtured. It investigates how facilitators and/or constraints influence the decision to migrate as students. Using a multi-sited approach, fieldwork in Ghana focused on prospective student migrants, while fieldwork in the Netherlands provided a retrospective perspective among student migrants. Life story interviews were adopted in the collection of data. In the minds of the respondents, there is a clear distinction between the idea of 'migration' and the idea of 'student migration.' The article concludes that childhood socialization shapes the idea of 'migration' that culminates in the thought of 'student migration.' Apart from studies, experiencing new cultures and networking are among the notable expectations that inform the thought of student migration. Religiosity categorised as prayers and belonging to religious community is a cultural principle employed to facilitate the fulfilment of student migration intentions. With a shift from the classical economic models of understanding the decision to migrate, this article elucidates the fears, anxiety, joys and perplexities that are embedded in the thought of student migration.
A quale problema ci si riferisce quando al centro della riflessione educativa c’è una persona migrante, o potenziale tale, che desidera o decide di lasciare il proprio paese di origine? Per rispondere a questa domanda, il volume presenta... more
A quale problema ci si riferisce quando al centro della riflessione educativa c’è una persona migrante, o potenziale tale, che desidera o decide di lasciare il proprio paese di origine? Per rispondere a questa domanda, il volume presenta gli esiti di una ricerca empirica realizzata in Costa d’Avorio nel triennio 2017–2019, affrontando alcuni nodi significativi che vanno dalla definizione del pubblico potenziale migrante, al rapporto tra aspirazione e capacità migratoria, fino al ruolo che il potenziale di conoscenza del soggetto e quello formativo dei contesti di vita e di lavoro possono giocare nel processo decisionale della scelta migratoria, letta e interpretata alla luce del progetto di vita di una persona. Il lavoro si inserisce nell’ambito disciplinare dei Migration Studies e tenta di definire un possibile campo di applicazione per la ricerca e l’azione educativa concettualizzando e indagando empiricamente il costrutto di Potenziale Migratorio, approfondendone dimensioni, variabili e utilizzo che ne può essere fatto nell’analisi e nell’interpretazione delle diverse forme di mobilità. Viene formalizzata una tipologia di mobilità umana definibile come Potential Im/Mobility che, a differenza dell’immobilità involontaria di chi non riesce a realizzare un progetto di migrazione, può riguardare persone con un Potenziale Migratorio variabile che, se sviluppato, può favorire nel proprio paese di origine la costruzione di progetti di vita significativi all’interno dei quali la strada migratoria rimane una scelta sempre percorribile, frutto anche dello sviluppo di nuove capacità.
Drawing on qualitative research with western scholars working at Sino-foreign universities (SFUs), this paper highlights the emerging academic mobility trend moving from the Global North to South. With a theoretical focus on ‘emotions in... more
Drawing on qualitative research with western scholars working at Sino-foreign universities (SFUs), this paper highlights the emerging academic mobility trend moving from the Global North to South. With a theoretical focus on ‘emotions in migration’, the paper first asks how these foreign scholars’ migration aspirations towards China are initiated and nurtured before the move. Second, it explores after the move, how they emotionally encounter China in everyday life and perform agency, i.e. exercising specific ‘emotional labour’ to reframe their lived experiences and migration aspirations. Third, it examines how their capacity of materialising migration aspirations can be facilitated and constrained by a set of structural factors at the macro, meso and micro level, and how their migration aspirations towards the future are reconfigured accordingly. In doing so, the paper enriches our understanding of academic migration by focusing on the China context and unpacking the emotional predicaments involved in the lives of mobile scholars who are conventionally seen as rather privileged. Critically, this paper develops an emotionally-sensitive approach, to demonstrate that the process in which migration aspirations are generated, exercised and reproduced is an emotional, dynamic and uncertain one, constantly shaped by migrants’ agency and multiple structural forces.
We invite abstracts for a conference to be held at the Peace Research Institute Oslo 20-21 August 2015. (Deadline for abstracts: 15 April). The possibility of one day returning to one’s country of origin is a fact of life for... more
We invite abstracts for a conference to be held at the Peace Research Institute Oslo 20-21 August 2015. (Deadline for abstracts: 15 April).
The possibility of one day returning to one’s country of origin is a fact of life for international migrants. Some live in fear of deportation; others have a dream about retiring in their native country. This conference addresses the different ways in which migrants think, feel, and act upon the possibility of return. We wish to cover a range of circumstances with different degrees of choice and coercion, recognizing that migrants’ agency always plays a role.
The possibility of one day returning to one’s country of origin is a fact of life for international migrants. Some live in fear of deportation; others have a dream about retiring in their native country. This conference addresses the different ways in which migrants think, feel, and act upon the possibility of return. We wish to cover a range of circumstances with different degrees of choice and coercion, recognizing that migrants’ agency always plays a role.
The paper is part of the international debate on the theme of human mobility with a transversal and developing educational perspective in the field of Migration Studies. It presents a research work carried out in Ivory Coast on the... more
The paper is part of the international debate on the theme of human mobility with a transversal and developing educational perspective in the field of Migration Studies. It presents a research work carried out in Ivory Coast on the potential educational dimension of migration related to the search for better living and working opportunities. We discuss the results related to the study of the educational conditions of a potential migrant subjects, considered as variables that affect the conformation of the migration aspiration and allow a better understanding of the situations in which the birth of the desire to leave can occur, regardless of the presence or absence of the ability to migrate. The research followed a qualitative-quantitative approach in line with the methodological framework of Mixed Methods Research, adopting an exploratory-sequential design, arriving at the construction of a transferable model of analysis of the migratory potential which is composed of four main categories: migration project, educational conditions, migratory aspiration and learning potential. The aim of this paper is to present the results to the second category.
The literature on migration intentions of university students and their decisions to travel abroad as student migrants is limited. This article outlines how the thought of student migration is created and nurtured. It investigates how... more
The literature on migration intentions of university students and their decisions to travel abroad as student migrants is limited. This article outlines how the thought of student migration is created and nurtured. It investigates how facilitators and/or constraints influence the decision to migrate as students. Using a multi-sited approach, fieldwork in Ghana focused on prospective student migrants, while fieldwork in the Netherlands provided a retrospective perspective among student migrants. Life story interviews were adopted in the collection of data. In the minds of the respondents, there is a clear distinction between the idea of ‘migration’ and the idea of ‘student migration.’ The article concludes that childhood socialization shapes the idea of ‘migration’ that culminates in the thought of ‘student migration.’ Apart from studies, experiencing new cultures and networking are among the notableexpectations that inform the thought of studentmigration. Religiosity categorised as ...
Related Topics