what are migration theores

1 answer

Migration theories are the theories developed by researchers and scholars to explain and understand the complex phenomenon of migration. They can be generally classified into two main categories: macro-level theories, which focus on structural aspects, the origin and destination societies, and micro-level theories, which look at the individual decision-making processes.

1. Neoclassical Economics Theory: This theory states that global labor movement is due to geographical differences in the supply of and demand for labor.

2. Dual Labor Market Theory: This theory proposes that migration is mainly caused by pull factors in more developed countries as they have a demand for both highly-skilled and low-skilled labor.

3. New Economics of Migration Theory: This theory suggests that migration decision is not made by individuals but families or households to minimize risks to their income or livelihood.

4. World Systems Theory: This asserts that migration is a by-product of global capitalism and economic development.

5. Social Capital Theory: It suggests that migration tends to occur within social networks where current migrants help new migrants to migrate and adjust to the new environment.

6. Cumulative Causation Theory: This theory states that migration itself causes more migration. The act of migrating changes social, economic and political dynamics, which influences future migration.

7. Push-Pull Theory: It suggests that people are pushed out of their home countries due to unfavourable circumstances and are pulled towards other countries with better opportunities.

These are some of the basic migration theories, but migration is a complex issue affected by numerous factors making these theories holistic, overlapping and interactive.