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?

<p>Both the act of moving and the act of staying as expressions of choice. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It uses them as an example of ways social structures affect migratory aspirations and capabilities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>A more profound understanding of the role of agency and structure in migration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They influence both aspirations and the ability to migrate. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>As complementary actions representing different expressions of migrating agency. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They can be complementary by emphasizing different aspects of a phenomenon. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It can cause theories to become restrictive, intellectual frameworks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Connecting migration to broader theories of socio-economic and political change. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text critique traditional views of migration?

<p>By suggesting it's a part of broader economic and social changes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Migration is an intrinsic component of broader social change. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Relying only on one discipline or method when analyzing a topic. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can seemingly conflicting theoretical assumptions often really reflect?

<p>Differences in their applicability to various social groups and levels of analysis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Urbanisation in relation to migration patterns. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered an intrinsic reason for migration?

<p>The need to achieve higher standards of living (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They do not include both mobility and immobility within the same framework. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>A universal intrinsic desire to move and discover the world. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They framed their journey in terms of adventure and the desire to try out life elsewhere. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be given a serious place in migration theory?

<p>Both the 'functional' and intrinsic value which people ascribe to mobility (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To leave home, at least temporarily, for various reasons (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Sedentary lifestyles assume residency and migration is required to change residency (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests that the desire to move is:

<p>A universal desire, found across societies and throughout history. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central argument of the paper?

<p>Migration is a complex phenomenon influenced by a combination of individual aspirations and external factors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It acknowledges the subjective nature of migration choices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between migration aspirations and capabilities?

<p>Aspirations and capabilities are conceptually distinct but not independent. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are migration aspirations influenced by perceived geographical opportunity structures?

<p>They are shaped by individuals' subjective perceptions of opportunities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The paper focuses on the role of individual aspirations, while the other theories prioritize external factors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of education in influencing migration aspirations?

<p>Education can broaden individuals' awareness of alternative lifestyles and opportunities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They fail to account for the subjective perceptions of opportunities and aspirations. (B)</p> 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?

<p>An individual migrates to a new city to pursue higher education and a better quality of life. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It created a market for smuggling and increased permanent settlement. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Migration restrictions increase the desire to migrate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They possess full mobility rights as French citizens. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They share a strong desire for mobility freedom. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It often overlooks or separates it as different from other motivations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It increased fear of being unable to migrate again, leading to canceled return plans. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Many migrants wish to remain in their countries of origin. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Better social security and living conditions attributed to citizenship. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Migration has historically been limited in magnitude due to economic inequalities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Migration presumes sedentarism and vice versa. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The tendency of most people to prefer remaining in their place of residence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Migration serves as a strategy for families to diversify their income. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Hunter-gatherer and nomadic lifestyles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Migration reflects adjustments individuals make due to changes in their environment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Migration cannot exist without the idea of a permanent residence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The argument does not recognize the complexities of both behaviors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Aspirations-Capabilities Framework

A framework that analyzes migration based on individual aspirations and capabilities within specific geographic opportunity structures.

Instrumental vs. Intrinsic Migration

The motivations for migrating can be either instrumental (driven by goals like better income) or intrinsic (connected to well-being and personal development).

Migratory Agency: Moving vs. Staying

This framework sees moving and staying as complementary options within an individual's migratory agency. Agency is about choice, including staying put.

Positive and Negative Liberty in Migration

The freedom to move is linked to structural conditions, which can be 'positive' (like opportunities) or 'negative' (like constraints) depending on the context. This framework considers how those structures shape migration.

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Macro-Structural Change and Migration

The macro-level societal changes (like economic development, political instability, or globalization) affect individuals' aspirations to migrate and their capacity to act on them.

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Geographic Opportunity Structures

This refers to the specific locations and possibilities available for migration. It considers factors like job markets, political climates, social networks, and safety.

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Migration and Social Change

This theory recognizes that migration is not just about moving individuals but often a complex part of broader societal transformations.

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Migration as Agency

This means that migration is an active process driven not just by 'push' factors (like poverty) but also by individuals' ambitions, choices, and abilities.

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Intrinsic migration

Migration driven by intrinsic desires like wanderlust, curiosity, and seeking new experiences.

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Wanderlust

The desire to break free and discover new places, regardless of financial gain.

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Gap year

A period where young people travel or work abroad before settling down.

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Rite de passage

A traditional ceremony or experience marking a transition to adulthood.

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Intrinsic value in migration theories

Migration theory should not only consider financial motives but also personal desires.

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Mobility & immobility

People move both to stay and to relocate, migration is not the only form of mobility.

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Place to live

A location where someone lives, incorporating both temporary and permanent residency.

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Theoretical frameworks for mobility

Broader theoretical frameworks should encompass both movement and lack of movement, recognizing the complex nature of human mobility.

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Complementary vs. Conflicting Perspectives on Migration

Different theoretical perspectives on migration can either complement each other by focusing on various aspects of the same phenomenon or clash when their fundamental assumptions contradict.

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Intellectual Straightjackets

The danger of rigidly adhering to one specific theoretical framework, leading to limited perspectives and hindering understanding.

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Importance of Context in Migration Studies

It is crucial to consider the specific historical, geographical, and social contexts in which migration occurs to gain a deeper understanding of its dynamics.

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Migration as Part of Broader Social Change

Migration should be understood as an integral part of broader societal changes, encompassing economic, political, cultural, technological, and demographic transformations.

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Conventional and Policy Views on Migration

Conventional views often portray migration as a response to development disparities or static 'push' and 'pull' factors, while policy perspectives focus on migration as a 'problem' to be solved or a solution to societal issues.

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Urbanisation and Migration Interconnection

The process of urbanisation demonstrates that migration cannot be isolated from broader social transformations, highlighting its interconnectedness with various societal changes.

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Connecting Migration Theories to General Social Theories

Comprehending migration requires understanding its connection to broader social scientific theories, recognizing its role in processes of social transformation, development, and globalization.

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Beyond Push-Pull and Development Imbalances

Conceptualizing migration solely as a symptom of development imbalances or as a static 'push' and 'pull' phenomenon ignores its complex and dynamic nature within broader social changes.

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Migration Aspirations

The idea that people's desire to move is influenced by their overall life goals and their perception of opportunities in different places.

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Migration Capabilities

Factors that make migration possible, including factors like freedom from poverty or oppression, and freedom to access resources like education or transportation.

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Subjective Perception in Migration

The idea that people don't just react to external conditions, but they actively form their own goals and desires, which then influence their migration decisions.

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Education and Migration Aspirations

The impact that education can have on changing people's aspirations. It can broaden horizons, expose people to new possibilities, and lead them to desire a different life.

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Non-Economic Factors in Migration

The idea that migration isn't just driven by economic factors, but also by a desire for a better personal life, including social connections and overall well-being.

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Paradox of Migration Restrictions

Visa requirements can lead to a paradox in migration: by restricting movement, they can actually encourage more people to migrate, as they fear being locked out of opportunities in the future.

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Intrinsic Migration Motivation

The desire to move is often driven by more than just economic need. People may want to explore, learn, and experience new cultures for personal growth and well-being.

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Mobility Freedom as a Right

The freedom to move is a valuable right that contributes to individual well-being and personal development.

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Intrinsic Value of Migration

Migration research should consider not just the practical reasons for moving (like work or education), but also the personal desires and experiences that drive individuals.

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Functionalist vs. Experiential Migration Theories

Migration theories often focus on the 'functions' of migration, like economic benefits or filling labor shortages. However, they should also account for the individual experiences and choices that drive migration.

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Migratory Agency

The idea that people can choose both to move and to stay put, and these choices are part of their own personal agency.

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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 as an intrinsic part of broader social change

  • 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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A Theory of Migration: The Aspirations-Capabilities Framework PDF

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.

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