Readings in the Sociology of Migration deals with migration as a sociological problem, with greater emphasis on internal migrations than on international migrations. Some of the problems covered by sociological inquiry in the study of migration are discussed, along with theories of migration such as the push-pull theory, differential migration, and motivation for migration. This book is comprised of 16 chapters and opens by outlining types of migration according to the professional and social composition of migrants: mass migration, economic migration from an underdeveloped country, economic e.
Readings in sociology of migration
Clifford J. Jansen’s Readings in the Sociology of Migration is a classic text in the field of sociology of migration. It was first published in 1970 and has since been used by students and scholars alike to learn about the different aspects of migration, including its causes, consequences, and policy implications.
The book is divided into 16 chapters, which cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Types of migration
- Theories of migration
- Motivations for migration
- The migration process
- The social and economic consequences of migration
- The policy implications of migration
Jansen’s book is notable for its breadth and scope, as well as its focus on both internal and international migration. He also draws on a wide range of sources, including academic research, government reports, and personal accounts of migrants.
Readings in the Sociology of Migration is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand the complex phenomenon of migration. It is a well-written and informative book that is accessible to both students and scholars.
Here are some of the key takeaways from Jansen’s book:
- Migration is a complex phenomenon that is driven by a variety of factors, including economic, social, and political factors.
- Migration can have both positive and negative consequences for individuals, families, and communities.
- Migration is a global phenomenon that is increasing in complexity.
- Policymakers need to develop policies that address the challenges and opportunities posed by migration.
Jansen’s book is still highly relevant today, as migration continues to be a major issue around the world. His work has helped to shape our understanding of migration and to inform the development of migration policies.
The most important thoughts in the book Readings in the Sociology of Migration by Clifford J. Jansen can be summarized as follows:
- Migration is a complex phenomenon with multiple causes and consequences. It is driven by both push and pull factors, including economic, social, political, and environmental factors.
- Migration is a social process that shapes and reshapes the lives of individuals, families, and communities. It can lead to both positive and negative outcomes, both for migrants and for the receiving societies.
- Migration is a global phenomenon that is increasingly interconnected. The movement of people across borders is influenced by globalization, as well as by regional and local factors.
The book also explores a number of important themes related to migration, including:
- Theories of migration: Jansen discusses a variety of theories that have been used to explain migration, including the push-pull theory, the new economics of labor migration, and the transnational migration perspective.
- Types of migration: Jansen distinguishes between different types of migration, such as internal migration, international migration, and forced migration. He also discusses the different motivations for migration, such as economic opportunity, family reunification, and political persecution.
- The consequences of migration: Jansen examines the consequences of migration for both migrants and the receiving societies. He discusses the economic, social, and cultural impacts of migration, as well as the challenges and opportunities that it presents.
Overall, Readings in the Sociology of Migration provides a comprehensive and informative overview of the field of migration studies. It is an essential resource for students, scholars, and policymakers who are interested in understanding the causes, consequences, and challenges of migration in the 21st century.
Here are some additional important thoughts from the book:
- Migrants are not a monolithic group. They come from a variety of backgrounds, have different motivations for migration, and experience different outcomes.
- Migration is not a one-way process. Migrants often maintain ties to their home countries and may eventually return.
- Migration can have a positive impact on both the sending and receiving countries. Migrants can contribute to the economic and social development of both countries.
- Migration can also pose challenges for both sending and receiving countries. For example, it can lead to brain drain in sending countries and social tensions in receiving countries.
Jansen concludes the book by arguing that we need to develop a more comprehensive and humane approach to migration. He calls for policies that promote the rights and well-being of migrants, while also addressing the concerns of receiving societies.
Types of migration
In his book Readings in the Sociology of Migration, Clifford J. Jansen identifies three main types of migration:
1. Mass migration
Mass migration is a large-scale movement of people from one country to another. It is often caused by factors such as war, famine, or political persecution. Examples of mass migration include the Irish Potato Famine, the Jewish diaspora during World War II, and the Syrian refugee crisis.
2. Economic migration
Economic migration is the movement of people from one place to another in search of better economic opportunities. It can be motivated by factors such as higher wages, better job prospects, or lower cost of living. Examples of economic migration include the migration of Mexican workers to the United States and the migration of Chinese workers to Europe.
3. Internal migration
Internal migration is the movement of people from one place to another within the same country. It can be motivated by factors such as job opportunities, education, or family. Examples of internal migration include the migration of people from rural areas to urban areas and the migration of people from one state to another in the United States.
Jansen also discusses two other types of migration:
- Step migration: Step migration is a type of migration where people move in stages, rather than directly from one place to another. For example, a person might move from a rural village to a small town, and then from the small town to a large city.
- Return migration: Return migration is the movement of people back to their home country or region after living in another country or region for a period of time. For example, a student who studies abroad may return to their home country after graduation, or a worker who migrates to another country to find work may return to their home country after saving enough money.
Jansen’s typology of migration is a useful tool for understanding the different types of migration and their causes. It is important to note that these types of migration are not mutually exclusive. For example, mass migration can also be economic migration, and internal migration can also be step migration.
Theories of migration
In his book Readings in the Sociology of Migration, Clifford J. Jansen discusses a number of different theories of migration. Some of the most important theories include:
1. Push-pull theory
The push-pull theory is one of the most basic theories of migration. It argues that migrants are pulled to new places by positive factors, such as job opportunities, higher wages, and a better quality of life. They are also pushed away from their home places by negative factors, such as poverty, unemployment, and political instability.
2. Differential migration theory
Differential migration theory focuses on the characteristics of migrants themselves. It argues that certain groups of people are more likely to migrate than others. For example, younger people are more likely to migrate than older people, and people with higher levels of education are more likely to migrate than people with lower levels of education.
3. New economics of labor migration theory
The new economics of labor migration theory focuses on the economic factors that drive migration. It argues that migrants move to new places in order to maximize their earnings and improve their standard of living.
4. World-systems theory
World-systems theory is a macro-level theory of migration that examines the relationship between migration and the global economy. It argues that migration is a necessary part of the capitalist system, as it allows businesses to access cheap labor from around the world.
5. Transnational migration theory
Transnational migration theory focuses on the experiences of migrants who maintain close ties to their home countries after migrating. It argues that migrants are not simply moving from one country to another, but rather are creating transnational social spaces and communities.
Jansen also discusses a number of other theories of migration, such as the neoclassical theory of migration, the dual labor market theory of migration, and the social networks theory of migration. He argues that no single theory can fully explain the complex phenomenon of migration, and that it is important to consider a variety of factors when trying to understand why people migrate.
Motivation for Migration
In his book Readings in the Sociology of Migration, Clifford J. Jansen argues that the motivation for migration is complex and multifaceted. He identifies a number of different factors that can motivate people to migrate, including:
- Economic factors: People may migrate in search of better job opportunities, higher wages, or a lower cost of living.
- Social factors: People may migrate to join family members, to be closer to friends, or to escape social conflict or persecution.
- Political factors: People may migrate to escape war, political instability, or human rights abuses.
- Environmental factors: People may migrate to escape natural disasters, such as droughts or floods.
Jansen also argues that the motivation for migration can vary depending on the type of migration. For example, mass migration is often motivated by push factors, such as poverty or war, while economic migration is often motivated by pull factors, such as job opportunities or higher wages.
Here are some of the main takeaways about the motivation for migration in Jansen’s book:
- The motivation for migration is complex and multifaceted.
- Economic factors are often the most important motivators for migration.
- Social, political, and environmental factors can also play a role in motivating migration.
- The motivation for migration can vary depending on the type of migration.
Jansen’s work on the motivation for migration has been highly influential in the field of sociology of migration. It has helped us to understand the complex factors that drive people to migrate and to develop policies that address the needs of migrants and their communities.
Process of Migration
In his book Readings in the Sociology of Migration, Clifford J. Jansen describes the process of migration as a complex and multi-stage process. He identifies a number of different stages in the migration process, including:
- Decision to migrate: The first stage in the migration process is the decision to migrate. This decision can be influenced by a variety of factors, including economic factors, social factors, political factors, and environmental factors.
- Preparation for migration: Once the decision to migrate has been made, individuals must prepare for their migration. This may involve saving money, obtaining necessary documentation, and finding a place to live in the destination country.
- Transportation: The next stage in the migration process is transportation. Migrants may travel to their destination country by plane, boat, train, or car.
- Arrival and reception: Once migrants arrive in their destination country, they must go through the process of arrival and reception. This may involve completing immigration paperwork, finding housing, and finding a job.
- Settlement and integration: The final stage in the migration process is settlement and integration. This involves adapting to the new environment, learning the language, and building a new life in the destination country.
Jansen also argues that the migration process is not linear, and that migrants may move back and forth between different stages. For example, a migrant may return to their home country to visit family and then return to their destination country.
Here are some of the main takeaways about the process of migration in Jansen’s book:
- The process of migration is complex and multi-stage.
- The decision to migrate is influenced by a variety of factors.
- Migrants must prepare for their migration by saving money, obtaining necessary documentation, and finding a place to live in the destination country.
- Migrants may travel to their destination country by plane, boat, train, or car.
- Once migrants arrive in their destination country, they must go through the process of arrival and reception, which may involve completing immigration paperwork, finding housing, and finding a job.
- The final stage in the migration process is settlement and integration, which involves adapting to the new environment, learning the language, and building a new life in the destination country.
- The migration process is not linear and migrants may move back and forth between different stages.
Jansen’s work on the process of migration has been highly influential in the field of sociology of migration. It has helped us to understand the complex challenges that migrants face and the policies that can support them throughout the migration process.
Economic consequences of migration
Economic consequences
Sending countries
- Increased remittances: Migrants often send money back to their home countries, which can help to boost economic growth and reduce poverty.
- Brain drain: Migration can lead to a loss of skilled workers and professionals from sending countries.
- Labor shortages: Migration can also lead to labor shortages in certain sectors of the economy.
Receiving countries
- Increased labor supply: Migration can increase the labor supply in receiving countries, which can boost economic growth.
- Skills and technology transfer: Migrants can bring new skills and technologies to receiving countries.
- Increased cultural diversity: Migration can increase the cultural diversity of receiving countries.
Social consequences
Social consequences
Sending countries
- Separation of families: Migration can lead to the separation of families, which can have negative social and psychological consequences.
- Social change: Migration can also lead to social change in sending countries, as migrants bring back new ideas and values from the countries where they have lived.
Receiving countries
- Social conflict: Migration can lead to social conflict in receiving countries, as native-born citizens and migrants may compete for resources and jobs.
- Discrimination: Migrants often face discrimination in receiving countries, which can make it difficult for them to integrate into society.
- Xenophobia: Migration can also lead to xenophobia, which is a fear or hatred of foreigners.
Jansen argues that the economic and social consequences of migration are complex and depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of migration, the characteristics of the migrants, and the policies of sending and receiving countries.
Here are some additional takeaways about the economic and social consequences of migration:
- The economic benefits of migration for receiving countries often outweigh the costs.
- The social costs of migration for sending and receiving countries can be significant.
- It is important to develop policies that mitigate the negative consequences of migration and maximize the positive consequences.
Jansen, C. J. (2016). Readings in the Sociology of Migration: The Commonwealth and International Library: Readings in Sociology. Elsevier.