Migration Studies

A Movement That Matters: Culture from A Place to Another

Mary Gel Marsan

Hi, hello there! It’s me Mg, glad and ready for a talk that is worth a cup—or two—of hot cocoa. Come and sit with me as we learn about Migration studies, an interdisciplinary field that draws on anthropology, prehistory, history, economics, law, sociology, and post-colonial studies. 

 

WHAT MIGRATION STUDIES DO? 

It is a broad academic field that evaluates the movement of people from one place to another, studies people’s way of life, and their practices; enforces processes that are beneficial to humankind.

Migration means living somewhere for at least a certain amount of time, like six months or a year, for either economic or personal reasons. The movement of people either internally or internationally affects an individual economically, psychologically, and culturally. Herewith, it is important to note that migration is not simply crossing borders and staying for long in a certain area, migration is an interesting concept, and is something that we should control and understand.

Let us first look at the two categories in migration that according to Everett S. Lee (1917-2007) are categories that demographers use to analyze human migration from former areas to host locations. Lee's model divides factors causing migrations into two groups: push and pull. 

Push Factors are factors that discourage people from staying in an area.

e.g. war, high inflation rate, political instability, climate change, or poverty

Pull Factors are reasons that attract people to move to another place.

e.g. potential job offers, health services, education, or peaceful community

While there are many economic, social, personal, and physical reasons why people emigrate, they can usually be classified into push and pull factors. Whatever their reasons, it is important to point out that these underlying factors affect and influence an individual and a community. 

Accordingly, immigrants are divided into two types of migration: Internal Migration and International Migration.

Internal Migration refers to the movement of people within the country; a transfer from one region to another. It can further be of types:

Rural-Urban- The transfer from rural to an urban city, usually because of employment and educational opportunities (most commonly cited pull factors). Poverty, food insecurity, and lack of opportunities in rural areas are consequences of uneven economic development and push people to urban areas where development has been greater.

Planned- The systematic and deliberate transfer of individuals or groups from one location to another for specified purposes. This sort of migration is often marked by a deliberate and coordinated procedure, and it can take place on a variety of scales, ranging from individual movements to large-scale government initiatives.

Seasonal- The temporary movement of people from one location to another, usually associated with distinct seasons or times of the year. Seasonal migration can occur both within and outside of a country.

International migration occurs when people cross state boundaries and stay in the host state for some minimum length of time. Migration occurs for many reasons. Many people leave their home countries to look for economic opportunities in another country.

These types of migration can either be voluntary or involuntary. Most people who move to different locations are driven by their own free will and personal interests, while some are forced to leave their home country or native place. One notable example of involuntary migration is the displacement of millions of Syrians as a result of the Syrian Civil War.

Syria's civil war, which began in 2011, has resulted in a complicated humanitarian crisis with serious ramifications for the Syrian people. The violence has resulted in extensive displacement, loss of life, infrastructure destruction, and a variety of socioeconomic issues. Syrian people are left without a choice to leave their home country or region; they become refugees.

How does Migration affect the economic, psychological, and cultural dimensions? 

Migrating has a wide range of consequences, depending on factors such as the motive for migrating, the individual's background, and the circumstances surrounding the transfer. As I have said earlier, reasons for migrating may vary, depending on the emigrant's individual beliefs and intentions. Nonetheless, the movement of people affects and is influential to economic changes, cultural identity and beliefs of a person, and health aspects. 

Because migration can lead to new job opportunities and improved economic prospects, individuals relocate in search of better work chances, higher pay, or entrepreneurial opportunities, resulting in increased economic well-being. Furthermore, migrant workers' income levels may change. In certain instances, migrants may earn more in their destination nations, contributing to improved financial stability. However, economic imbalances and roadblocks may arise, especially for those who are having problems finding work. Aside from that, migrants frequently send money transfers to their families back home. These remittances can be crucial to migrants' families' economic well-being, contributing to education, healthcare, and overall household income.

Adapting to a new cultural environment can be a difficult process. Cultural shock, feelings of loneliness, and challenges negotiating unfamiliar social norms and conventions may occur for migrants. Individuals may develop coping techniques and a sense of belonging in the new culture over time. Migration can be stressful, especially if it entails forced displacement or major cultural differences. Migrants may suffer acculturation, prejudice, and linguistic problems, which can influence their mental health. Access to mental health services, as well as cultural integration, can all have an impact on psychological well-being. Individuals may reevaluate their identity and self-perception as a result of migration. Language, religion, and cultural traditions may change, resulting in a dynamic process of identity construction and adaptation. 

 As we already know, individuals carry their traditions, languages, and practices, as their identity. So, as they move to new locations, they use them either unconsciously or consciously in facilitating cultural interaction. This interaction can help to create a more diverse and rich cultural landscape by encouraging mutual understanding and tolerance. Also, migrants frequently acquire the language of their destination country, which can have an impact on communication, social interactions, and overall integration. Language acquisition is a critical component of cultural adaptation. Lastly, migrants may work to preserve their cultural heritage, customs, and values while also adapting to the host country's cultural setting. This process has the potential to result in a dynamic modification of cultural practices. A process of deculturation or acculturation may occur at any time.

In summary, it is crucial to emphasize that the impact of migration is very individual, with individuals experiencing a mix of positive and negative outcomes. Furthermore, the context of migration, whether voluntary or forced, influences the overall impact on individuals. Policymakers, communities, and support networks can all help to achieve better outcomes by creating inclusive settings, offering resources, and addressing migration-related difficulties.

 

“The choice to migrate is not driven by economic need alone, nor is a desire to leave a natal home a sufficient catalyst for border crossing.”
—Jeffrey H. Cohen