An Analysis of International Migration Theories
Justin Hsu
Essay 1: 1247 Words
Sociology 122A
An Analysis of International Migration Theories In today’s postmodern society, international migration has truly become a global phenomenon. From 1975 to 2005, the number of people living outside their country of birth more than doubled to 191 million (Bloemraad). From 1960 to 2005, the number of countries hosting more than 500,000 migrants increased from 30 to 62 (United Nations). Furthermore, in 2006, immigrants accounted for at least ten-percent of the total population in fifty-three countries (New York Times). These extraordinary trends are the result of rapid industrialization, political and cultural developments, and drastic environmental changes. In order to explain the evolution of international migration, scholars and social scientists have developed three central sets of hypotheses: economic theories, socio-cultural theories, and political/global power theories. These theories are all supported by statistical data, sound arguments, and the backing of well-regarded advocates. In many cases, the theories can even be combined and incorporated. I will proceed by discussing one theory from each group of migration theories. Developed in the 1970’s, segmented labor market theory is a branch of economic theory declaring immigration as a process spurred on “not by individual decisions, but instead by intrinsic labor demands of modern industrial societies” (Massey 1999, p. 4). In sharp contrast with micro-level decision models, this newer economic theory hinges on the belief that international migration is caused by “a permanent labor demand that is inherent to the economic structure of developed nations” (Massey 1999, p. 4). In essence, migration is caused by the need for low-wage workers by developed countries, rather than cheap pay or high unemployment on the part of developing nations (Massey 1999, p. 5). Mexico, the Philippines, China, India, and Vietnam round out the five largest immigrant groups in the
Essay 1: 1247 Words
Sociology 122A
An Analysis of International Migration Theories In today’s postmodern society, international migration has truly become a global phenomenon. From 1975 to 2005, the number of people living outside their country of birth more than doubled to 191 million (Bloemraad). From 1960 to 2005, the number of countries hosting more than 500,000 migrants increased from 30 to 62 (United Nations). Furthermore, in 2006, immigrants accounted for at least ten-percent of the total population in fifty-three countries (New York Times). These extraordinary trends are the result of rapid industrialization, political and cultural developments, and drastic environmental changes. In order to explain the evolution of international migration, scholars and social scientists have developed three central sets of hypotheses: economic theories, socio-cultural theories, and political/global power theories. These theories are all supported by statistical data, sound arguments, and the backing of well-regarded advocates. In many cases, the theories can even be combined and incorporated. I will proceed by discussing one theory from each group of migration theories. Developed in the 1970’s, segmented labor market theory is a branch of economic theory declaring immigration as a process spurred on “not by individual decisions, but instead by intrinsic labor demands of modern industrial societies” (Massey 1999, p. 4). In sharp contrast with micro-level decision models, this newer economic theory hinges on the belief that international migration is caused by “a permanent labor demand that is inherent to the economic structure of developed nations” (Massey 1999, p. 4). In essence, migration is caused by the need for low-wage workers by developed countries, rather than cheap pay or high unemployment on the part of developing nations (Massey 1999, p. 5). Mexico, the Philippines, China, India, and Vietnam round out the five largest immigrant groups in the
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