Migration and the Aspirations-Capabilities Framework

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Questions and Answers

According to the aspirations-capabilities framework, what is migration primarily conceptualized as?

A function of both aspirations and capabilities within perceived opportunity structures. (correct)

The physical act of moving from one place to another.

A purely instrumental process directed towards economic gain.

A result of social changes alone.

What is a core component of the aspirations-capabilities framework’s view on human mobility?

It is solely an instrumental act for achieving certain goals.

It incorporates both instrumental and intrinsic motivations. (correct)

It is dictated by external structural forces only.

It is purely an intrinsic expression of personal values.

Within this framework, how is human mobility defined?

The inherent desire of humans to explore new places.

A primarily economically driven process.

The physical act of moving from one place to another.

People's capability to choose their residence, including the option to stay. (correct)

According to the framework, what does 'migratory agency' encompass?

Both the act of moving and the act of staying as expressions of choice. Signup and view all the answers

How does the aspirations-capabilities framework relate to 'positive and negative liberty', as discussed by Berlin?

It uses them as an example of ways social structures affect migratory aspirations and capabilities. Signup and view all the answers

What does the aspirations-capabilities framework try to promote in understanding migration?

A more profound understanding of the role of agency and structure in migration. Signup and view all the answers

What role do 'perceived geographical opportunity structures' play within the aspirations-capabilities framework?

They influence both aspirations and the ability to migrate. Signup and view all the answers

Within the context of the framework, how are 'moving' and 'staying' viewed?

As complementary actions representing different expressions of migrating agency. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the relationship between different theoretical perspectives?

They can be complementary by emphasizing different aspects of a phenomenon. Signup and view all the answers

What risk is associated with adhering to a single theoretical viewpoint?

It can cause theories to become restrictive, intellectual frameworks. Signup and view all the answers

What is highlighted as a crucial step to better understand migration?

Connecting migration to broader theories of socio-economic and political change. Signup and view all the answers

How does the text critique traditional views of migration?

By suggesting it's a part of broader economic and social changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the text’s perspective regarding migration and broader social change?

Migration is an intrinsic component of broader social change. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest one should avoid regarding disciplinary methods and approaches?

Relying only on one discipline or method when analyzing a topic. Signup and view all the answers

What can seemingly conflicting theoretical assumptions often really reflect?

Differences in their applicability to various social groups and levels of analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What example does the text use to show migration is closely related to wider social processes?

Urbanisation in relation to migration patterns. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered an intrinsic reason for migration?

The need to achieve higher standards of living Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest is a limitation of conventional migration theories?

They do not include both mobility and immobility within the same framework. Signup and view all the answers

The text mentions that 'gap years' and working holidays can be seen as a modern manifestation of what?

A universal intrinsic desire to move and discover the world. Signup and view all the answers

What did Berriane et al. (2013) observe about some sub-Saharan migrants in Morocco?

They framed their journey in terms of adventure and the desire to try out life elsewhere. Signup and view all the answers

What should be given a serious place in migration theory?

Both the 'functional' and intrinsic value which people ascribe to mobility Signup and view all the answers

What is a common desire of young people across societies and throughout history?

To leave home, at least temporarily, for various reasons Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the text's perspective on ‘sedentary lifestyles’?

Sedentary lifestyles assume residency and migration is required to change residency Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests that the desire to move is:

A universal desire, found across societies and throughout history. Signup and view all the answers

What is the central argument of the paper?

Migration is a complex phenomenon influenced by a combination of individual aspirations and external factors. Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of migration aspirations expand the understanding of migratory agency?

It acknowledges the subjective nature of migration choices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between migration aspirations and capabilities?

Aspirations and capabilities are conceptually distinct but not independent. Signup and view all the answers

How are migration aspirations influenced by perceived geographical opportunity structures?

They are shaped by individuals' subjective perceptions of opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between functionalist and historical-structural theories and the approach presented in the paper?

The paper focuses on the role of individual aspirations, while the other theories prioritize external factors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of education in influencing migration aspirations?

Education can broaden individuals' awareness of alternative lifestyles and opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main issue with functionalist and historical-structural theories according to the paper?

They fail to account for the subjective perceptions of opportunities and aspirations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options best exemplifies the idea that migration aspirations are influenced by both general life aspirations and perceived geographical opportunity structures?

An individual migrates to a new city to pursue higher education and a better quality of life. Signup and view all the answers

How did the introduction of visa requirements affect Moroccan migration to Spain?

It created a market for smuggling and increased permanent settlement. Signup and view all the answers

What paradox is observed in the migration patterns of Guyana and Suriname despite migration restrictions?

Migration restrictions increase the desire to migrate. Signup and view all the answers

Why do French Guyanese have a different attitude towards emigration compared to their neighbors?

They possess full mobility rights as French citizens. Signup and view all the answers

What commonality exists among migrants from Guyana and Suriname regarding their life aspirations?

They share a strong desire for mobility freedom. Signup and view all the answers

How does the ‘functionalist’ migration literature view the intrinsic dimension of migration aspirations?

It often overlooks or separates it as different from other motivations. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the tightening of migration regimes have on migrants' plans for returning home?

It increased fear of being unable to migrate again, leading to canceled return plans. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the attitude of most empirical studies on migration?

Many migrants wish to remain in their countries of origin. Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to the low levels of emigration among French Guyanese?

Better social security and living conditions attributed to citizenship. Signup and view all the answers

What is one argument against the idea that migration is the norm in human behavior?

Migration has historically been limited in magnitude due to economic inequalities. Signup and view all the answers

How does the text describe the relationship between migration and sedentary behavior?

Migration presumes sedentarism and vice versa. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of migration, what does the term 'home preference' refer to?

The tendency of most people to prefer remaining in their place of residence. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the new economics of labour migration suggest families have in migration decisions?

Migration serves as a strategy for families to diversify their income. Signup and view all the answers

Which lifestyle is typically associated with permanent mobility rather than sedentary existence?

Hunter-gatherer and nomadic lifestyles. Signup and view all the answers

What is one implication of the argument that migration is a response to social transformation?

Migration reflects adjustments individuals make due to changes in their environment. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the concept of migration in relation to sedentary lifestyles?

Migration cannot exist without the idea of a permanent residence. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does the text identify regarding the debate on migration versus sedentary behavior?

The argument does not recognize the complexities of both behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

A theory of migration: the aspirations-capabilities framework

This paper elaborates an aspirations-capabilities framework to understand human mobility as part of broader social change.
Migration is viewed as a function of aspirations and capabilities to migrate within perceived geographical opportunity structures.
It differentiates between instrumental and intrinsic dimensions of human mobility.
Moving and staying are complementary acts of migration.
Macro-structural change affects migratory aspirations and capabilities.
The framework helps understand the complex ways social changes and development influence migration patterns.

Migration theory: what is the problem?

Migration studies are under-theorised; recent trends are theoretical regression rather than progress.
Existing theories, like Lee's theory, Mabogunje's migration systems, Zelinsky's mobility transitions, etc., have struggled to fully explain complex migration realities.
Many theories rely on simplistic push-pull models or neoclassical individual income maximization.
Empirical research on migration has increased significantly, but lack of systematic theorizing hinders meaningful interpretation of data.
Understanding how macro-structural factors shape migration is crucial for a more comprehensive understanding.
Postmodern social science has led to focus on micro-studies of migrant experiences, but it has also led to a gap in wider migration theory development.

The 'migration is too complex' fallacy

Migration research lacks comprehensive theories that integrate various disciplines and paradigms.
"Receiving country bias" and methodological nationalism (focus on state-centric studies) limit perspectives.
Divides persist between quantitative (positivist) and qualitative (interpretative) approaches, forced and voluntary migration and international and internal migration.
The goal isn't a single, all-explaining theory, but a better understanding within specific contexts.
Migration is inherently complex; this is not a reason to abandon the search for effective theories.

Theoretical paradigms

Migration theories can be clustered into functionalist and historical-structural paradigms.
Functionalist theories (e.g., neo-classical, push-pull) view migration as an optimization strategy for individuals or families.
Historical-structural theories (e.g., neo-Marxist) emphasize structural inequalities and power dynamics.
These paradigms offer valuable insights but often are limited in scope or fail to address the complexity of human agency.

Limitations of functionalist and historical structural theories

Functionalist theories view migration as a positive societal outcome; overlook the role of inequalities; and the non-linearity of migration.
Historical structural theories focus too heavily on structural constraints and may underestimate human agency and voluntariness.

Migration should be understood in the context of broader social, economic, political, cultural and demographic transformations.
Migration profoundly affects destination and origin societies.
Processes of social transformation influence migration aspirations.

Conceptualising structure and agency in migration processes

Individual migrants are agents within structural constraints; the combination of agency and structure is crucial for a complete understanding.
Structural constraints (like laws, discrimination, resources) significantly affect migration capabilities and opportunities.
Functionalist and historical-structural theories tend to either fail to adequately address agency/structure, or misrepresent as purely causal rather than conditional or contingent.

Redefining human mobility

Mobility is defined as human freedom to choose one's place of residence, including the option to stay.
Distinguishes between instrumental (means to an end) and intrinsic (wellbeing-affecting) motivations for mobility.
Introduces a theoretical categorisation of five ideal-typical mobility types.
This framework integrates movement and non-movement within the same conceptual framework.

Towards new migration categories

Building on the concept of positive and negative liberty, the paper proposes a four-pronged typology of migration categories with various structural conditions and capabilities.
This typology helps understand how differing contexts affect migration and provides ways to understand different types of migration.

Conclusion

The paper proposes an aspirations-capabilities framework for a more comprehensive understanding of human mobility.
It argues for an eclectic approach to migration theory and suggests rethinking dichotomous categories (like forced vs. voluntary migration).
The framework links individual aspirations and capabilities to perceived opportunity structures within the broader context of social change.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of the aspirations-capabilities framework as it relates to migration. This quiz will address definitions, components, and critiques of traditional views on human mobility, alongside the relationship to liberty concepts. Understand how perceived geographical opportunities influence migratory decisions.