Introduction
Migration of people has steadily increased throughout the human history with research indicating significant variations in different parts of the world. It is a concept that has drawn debatable opinions and ideas across the board in explaining the causes and effects of this phenomenon which has become a global concern.
Naturally, any shift in population size usually carries both economic and social factors to the countries involved. This analysis explores the concept of international migration with emphasis on the role of economic factors in shaping migration trends and in redefining major effects and causes of international migration. It gives a broader scope of the issue, encompassing a myriad approach that seeks to integrate major economic views that explain international migration.
Migration
Generally, migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another. This may include cross-border movement (international migration) or movement within ones country (in-migration). As it shall be seen later in this synthesis, people move from one place to another because of various reasons some of which may be classified as voluntary or involuntary.
There are countries like Jamaica, India, and Turkey etc, which encourage their citizens to migrate in order to look for better employment in attractive countries that could be suffering from labor shortage (Russell, 1995). Nevertheless, this deprives such nations the chance to utilize their native human resources in nation building (Massey, et al., 1993, p. 431). It may also lead to brain drain and educational investment in foreign countries, resulting into economic suffering of poor countries.
It has to be noted that economic effects of international migration have been widely debated in the world but very few people have gained better understanding of the underlying factors. Regardless of the continent where the movement of people could be taking place, it is obvious that international movement of people has “pull” and “push” factors which are key parameters in analyzing the role of economic factors. For instance, urbanization is arguably one of the major causes of migration.
As small towns advance to cities around the world, many opportunities get realized leading to the attraction of people from other regions (Jennissen & Groningen, 2004, p. 4). Consequently, increase in population has become a major problem for leaders and decision makers to fight around the world. Most of the regions which attracted people before now experience unemployment, poor sanitation, high levels of crime and inadequate medical services among others. Why has international migration steadily increased in recent years?
International Migration and Globalization
Many scholars and researchers have found it impossible and unsatisfactory to explain the concept of international migration outside the boundaries of globalization and interrelationships between nations of the world. The current world draws its identity from the lifestyle of people who lived hundreds of years ago (Koser, 2007, p. 28). Through interactions and other economical issues, nations have developed connections which have significantly been attributed to the easy movement of people from one country to another.
Through global relationships, nations have developed policies which allow entry of people from other nations without stringent regulations. Encompassed with other developments, the world enjoys inter-state associations which many refer to as globalization.
Promoted with industrialization, scientific innovations and technological advancements, globalization is regarded as a major factor which has augmented international migration in recent years. By having a global village that is economically and technologically connected, it has become easy for people to move from one country to another virtually or physically (Richmond, 2002, p. 707).
Since movement of people solely depends on the available means, the global village enjoys modern means of transport like air travels which has significantly simplifies the process of moving to another country (Richmond, 2002, p. 707).
The emerging of aircraft companies and countless airlines connecting the world guarantees convenient and faster means of relocating people as best explained by existing factors. Besides travelling by air, millions of people have relocated to other countries by water, making it more convenient and most convenient means of transport between countries connected with water.
In addition, developments within the communication industry allow the flow of information between destinations in seconds. Of importance is internet communication which allows instant sharing of information easily and is considered more affordable among many people (Castles, 2002, p. 1143).
Together with cheap international telephone calling rates, communication networks allow people to have a global experience in their living rooms. Through several media channels, they are able to witness lifestyles in different parts of the word, a concept that affects migration patterns.
All these factors which have augmented globalization and consequently facilitated international migration are based on economic interplays that are mega in shaping the lifestyles of people and migration trends around the world. Globalization has also led to labor mobility with most people from developing countries opting to work in developed countries for the purpose of better opportunities (Richmond, 2002, p. 707). This has resulted in exploitation of immigrants and laxity in legal protection for such individuals.
Notably other historic events like the First and Second World Wars feature prominently in any study which attempts to explain international migration holistically. World War I resulted into movement of people around the world causing massive population shifts. During this period, Muslims moved to Turkey while Christians resettled in other far places.
Several Jews migrated to Palestine while the millions of Russians, Germans and Poles moved to the Soviet Union causing a significant influx of people. Similarly, the World War II also contributed to migration of people around the world in the 20th century (Kaya & Reynolds, 2002, p. 19). Together with the decolonization ideologies, millions of people relocated to other nations with the realization of a global network of nations.
International Migration Theories
Although it has remained an important task for demographers to analyze the major causes of migration of people, several theorists have developed models which have become tools in explaining the relationship between economic factors and international migration (Brettell & Hollifield, 2000, p. 51).
Many of them like Ravenstein agree that economical “push” and “pull” factors were quite significant in explaining migration trends. According to this English geographer, international migration was triggered by the search for better economic opportunities among people around the world.
Neoclassical Theory
This theory explains the concept of international migration based on wage differentials and the desire for people to seek employment (Erf & Heering, 1995, p. 4). It therefore focuses on individuals who move with a mindset of finding a better job in the new country. The need for such movements could also be necessitated by pressure to provide for the family’s basic needs (Sanderson, 2008, p. 21).
Besides the availability of work to be done, international migration could be ignited by lack of insurance and credit markets which are important for economic growth. It has also been argued that policies leading to high mean income may result into increased migration level especially when poor people are not in a position to experience the economic gain.
Dual Labor Market Theory
This theory addresses the issue of international migration encompassing the needs and economic structures of a country. According to the theory, international migration results from the existing industrial needs of the industrialized nation (Erf & Heering, 1995, p. 4). These needs emanate from a wide range of factors including but not limited to economic dualism and labor supply of the population.
Nonetheless, some countries may increase current wages for unpleasant jobs for the purpose of attracting people from other parts of the world (Hirschman, Kasinitz & DeWind, 1999, p. 51). Most migrants would have no problem especially in cases where the money received can cater for the existing needs without considering the social class as defined by the nature of the job.
World System Theory
World system theory relates capitalistic penetration mainly from developed economies to those at the periphery. Endless search for raw materials, labor, land and new markets usually upsets traditional economies, thus prompting international migration in order to meet the needs of capitalistic nations (Erf & Heering, 1995, p. 4).
According to the theory, international migration forces tend to regulate flow patterns regardless of the legal control mechanisms which may be put in place by countries involved. It is important to note that structuralism is highly dominated by the role of economical and political global forces as opposed to individual decisions (Arango, 2000, p. 283).
They therefore dwell on existing economical development differences which exist among countries around the world. Many theorists and demographic analysts argue that economic factors which cause individual movement of people ought to be considered other than basing on ideologies that are inclined towards political and world economic differences.
Based on the economical factors which affect international migration, it can further be argued that immigrant numbers have exponentially grown in more developed countries. This is because of the availability of opportunities that are highly valued by people from less developed countries (Erf & Heering, 1995, p. 4).
Having considered possible economic “push” and “pull” factors which cause international migration, it is equally important to understand some of the economic impacts of such movements to the sending and receiving countries. Does it in any way have impact on economic prosperity of both sides?
Economic Implications of International Migration
As noted in previous segments, labor mobility dominates international migration in terms of people looking for better working conditions and better wage payment. It has been argued that labor mobility contributes to global economic growth (Erf & Heering, 1995, p. 257). Some analysts affirm that both countries involved i.e. the sending and receiving economies end up benefiting from such opportunities.
Industries in developed countries which experience low returns because of inadequate labor force or reluctance of people taking up certain jobs benefit from labor from immigrants (Poston & Bouvier, 2010, p. 215). It is projected that the continuous increase of dependency ratio in developed countries is likely to attract migrants from developing nations in order to maintain a dynamic state of the economy.
Additionally, benefits from abroad can be used in developing native countries through remittances made to their families and friends at home. Immigrants also gain skills from foreign countries which get transmitted to their original countries when they go back or through investments.
How harmful is international migration in the context of economic growth development? It is more evident that amidst this wave of moving to other countries, some economies could be suffering from adverse effects. Brain drain remains a major economic challenge of international migration.
The movement of skilled individuals to developed countries makes it had for young economies to realize their development potential (Kaya & Reynolds, 2002, p. 20). They are therefore deprived of homegrown solutions to address local development problems. This may contribute to widening the gap between the rich and the poor.
Conclusion
From this analysis, it is evident that international migration is a major problem affecting several countries around the globe. This phenomenon can be explained from a wide spectrum of perspectives. With globalization having taken center stage, no one can deny that economic factors play an important role.
This therefore suffices to mention that international migration can only be well explained in the context of economical factors. With several theories been forward to explain migration, there is need to consider a wider view of the theories since international migration is intertwined with several economic factors.
References
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